At the time of the Great War, Llanelli was a hugely industrious town, by far the largest in West Wales. Many men from all over Great Britain came here to work and live, and the population swelled. The Town therefore played a hugely important role in supplying recruits to all three services, army, navy and air force, as well as creating the backbone of several local units, the 15th Welsh (Carmarthen Pals), the 4th Welsh (Territorials), the Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers (Territorials), and the Pembroke Yeomanry. Llanelli has many War Memorials, and the villages of Furnace, Bynea, New Dock, Felinfoel etc all have their own memorials, but all come under the umbrella of Llanelli. As far as I know, there are no names on the main Llanelli War Memorial, so I have used the original Carmarthen County War Memorial as the basis for this page. Due to the fact that over 800 men from Llanelli lost their lives during the Great War, I am splitting them up alphabetically over three separate pages; A to G, H to O, and P to Y. The majority of the photographs of the men on these three pages come from archive copies of the Llanelly Mercury and Guardian, which are held at Llanelli Library, and are courtesy of Mark Collins.

Llanelli War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918

Clement Adams, Private, 8080, Dorsetshire Regiment. Clement was born at Taunton, but resided at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted at Porth into the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, which moved to France at the outbreak of war attached to 15 Brigade, 5th Division. The Division had landed at Havre on 15 August, 1914, and fought at the Battle of Mons, and during the retreat south, fighting at Le Cateau, then down to the Marne where the German attack was halted. They took part in the advance to the Aisne, before moving to Flanders, where they fought at the Battle of La Bassée, then at Messines in October, 1914. They fought here through First Ypres, and took part in the capture of Hill 60. Clement was killed here on 14 March 1915. He is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.


William John Almon, Private, 10901, Devonshire Regiment. William was born at Treharris, but resided at Llanelli prior to the war, enlisting there into the 8th (Service) Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. The battalion landed at Le Havre on 26 July 1915, and joined 20 Brigade, 7th Division. William was killed during his first major action, at the Battle of Loos, on 25 September 1915. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.


Thomas Kernahan Anderson, Private, S/924, Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Ninion and Jane Anderson, of Cecil Terrace, Glasgow. He was the Husband of Emily Anderson (nee Jones), of 95, Ivanhoe Road, Denmark Park, London, and was Manager of Messrs. Foley Bros., Tooley Street, London prior to the war. Thomas was serving with the 2nd Battalion, Queen's at the outbreak of war, which was recalled from South Africa, joining 2 Brigade, 7th Division, and landing at Zeebrugge on 6 October 1914. The Division moved to positions east of Ypres, where it took part in the First Battle of Ypres. Thomas was killed here on 18 December 1914. He was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.


James Anthony, Lance Corporal, 21585, South Wales Borderers. James was born at Mountain Ash. He must have resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted at Newport into the South Wales Borderers. James was posted to the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 87 Brigade, 29th Division. The Division had fought at Gallipoli before moving to France on 15 March 1915. The Division took part in its first major action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, and fought at the Battles of Albert and Le Transloy, suffering heavy casualties. In the spring of 1917 they fought at the Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive, and then moved further north to Ypres. Here they fought at the Battle of Langemarck, and then at the Battles of the Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde and Poelcappelle, before moving to Cambrai. Here they fought at the Battle of Cambrai. James was killed here on 3 December 1917. He is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.


Percy Arthur, Private, 200998, Welsh Regiment. Percy was the Son of Samuel and Elizabeth Arthur, of 20, Brynallt Terrace, Stebonheath, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which fought at Gallipoli attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. Percy had returned home, and was stationed at Penally Camp, when he drowned whilst swimming under the Esplanade at Tenby on Saturday 18 August 1917. He was 19 years old, and was brought back to Llanelli for burial at Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.


David Gwilym Jones Augustus, Private, 39574, South Wales Borderers. David was the Son of David and Elizabeth Ann Jones-Augustus, of Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the army, and was posted to France in 1916, where he joined the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 87 Brigade, 29th Division. The Division had moved to the Western Front on 15 March 1915, and took part in its first major action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, fighting at the Battles of Albert and Le Transloy. David was wounded at Le Transloy, and evacuated to the Base Hospital at Etaples, where he died of wounds on 4 November 1916. He was 26 years old, and was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France.


Robert Awbery, Sapper, 42306, Royal Engineers. Robert was born at Llanelli, and was the Son of Charles and Elizabeth Awbery (nee Nash), later of Castlefield, Devonshire Road, Hornchurch, Romford. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Engineers, and was posted to France with the 79th Field Company, which was attached to the 18th (Eastern) Division. On 25 May 1915 the Division landed in Boulogne, and didn't see its first major action until July 1916 when it took part in the Somme Offensive. In March 1917 they followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and in May took part in the Third Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive. July 1917 saw the Division at Ypres, and they took part in the Battle of Pilckem, where they helped capture Westhoek, before fighting at the Battle of Langemarck and the First and Second Battles of Passchendaele, followed by the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Robert was killed at Ypres on 1 December 1917. He is buried at Bleuet Farm Cemetery, Belgium.


Harry Bagnall, Private, 48295, Welsh Regiment. Harry was the Son of Edward and Elizabeth Bagnall, of Wesley Street, West Bromwich, and the Husband of Mabel Maud Bagnall, of 64, George Street, Spon Lane, West Smethwick, Staffs. He must have resided at Llanelli prior to the war, as he enlisted there into the Welsh regiment. He was posted to Egypt, where he joined the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which had been formed by the merging of the Pembroke and Glamorgan Yeomanry regiments in February 1917. On 2 March 1917 the battalion joined 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division, and took part in the advance into Palestine from March 1917. Harry was wounded in Palestine, and died in Hospital on 4 October 1917. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Deir El Belah War Cemetery, Egypt.

Thomas Ballinger, Private, 12616, South Wales Borderers. Thomas was the Son of Mrs. Ballinger, of 113, Lower Ann Street, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli in August 1914 into the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which moved to the Mediterranean in June 1915 attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. From 6 July onwards the Division landed at Cape Helles, relieving the 29th Division. Thomas was killed in action just five days after he set foot on Gallipoli, when he was shot in the head by a sniper on 23 July 1915. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Gwilym Banks, Private, 13136, Welsh Regiment. Gwilym was born at Llanelli in March 1888, and enlisted there into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division moved to France during July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. The following year the Division moved to the Somme, where it took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost. It then fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. In 1917 the Division moved north to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and throughout the Third Battle of Ypres. During December 1917 the Division moved into the Ribecourt Sector. Gwilym was killed here on 26 February 1918, aged 29. He is buried at Metz-En-Couture Communal Cemetery British Extension, France.


Richard Stanley Barkway, Private, 30802, East Yorkshire Regiment. Richard was the son of Richard and Kate Ellen Barkway, and had been born at Hinchley. The family resided at the Grove Hotel, St. David's prior to moving to 53, Robinson Street, Llanelli prior to the war. Richard then enlisted at Carmarthen into the army sometime in 1917, and was posted to France to join the 1/4th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, which was attached to 150 Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division. The Division had fought at Second Ypres in 1915, and on the Somme in 1916. In 1917 it had fought at the Battle of Arras, and then at Passchendaele later that year. It remained at Ypres for the winter, before moving to St. Quentin, where it was hard hit by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918, during the Battle of St Quentin. They took part in a gallant rearguard action during the Actions at the Somme Crossings, and then at the Battle of Rosieres. After suffering terrible casualties, the Division moved north to Flanders to rest and rebuild, but in April the Germans launched an attack in Flanders, around the Lys, and the Division took part in the Battle of Estaires, and it was here that Richard was mortally wounded. He died of his wounds aged just 18, on 21 April 1918, and is buried at Aire Communal Cemetery, France.


Charles Henry Bastin, Private, 23826, South Wales Borderers. Charles was the Son of Robert and E. J. Bastin, of 5, Easton Rd., St. Philips, Bristol. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the 14th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was a Home Service battalion. Charles took ill and died at Kinmel Park on 8 July 1916, aged 19. He is buried at Rhyl Church Cemetery, Wales.

Fred Bateman, Lance Corporal, 56719, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Fred was the Son of William and Margaret Bateman, of Green St., Kilkenny. He worked at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the Welsh Regiment. Fred was posted to France, where he joined the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which at the time was on the Somme, attached to 19 Brigade, 33rd Division. Fred was wounded during the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, and died on 26 October 1916. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, France.


Richard Henry Bellows, Private, 38513, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. Richard was the Son of James and Alice Bellows, of Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the army, and was posted to the 7th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. The battalion initially moved to France on 28 September 1915 attached to 76 Brigade, 25th Division. It then transferred to 8 Brigade, 3rd Division, so that it could gain experience from the regular units within the division. The 7th KSLI saw action at the Somme the following year, then at Ypres and Cambrai in 1917. The Division was hit by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918, and suffered heavy losses before being moved to Flanders to rebuild. However the Germans switched the focus of their offensive to Flanders, and the Division were caught up in the worst of the fighting there, at the Battle of Estaires, and then at the Battles of Hazebrouck and Bethune. By now the German offensive had stalled, and the Division were moved south to the Somme. Richard was killed on the Somme on 2 August 1918. He was 19 years old, and was buried at Sandpits British Cemetery, Fouqueureil, France.


Harry Reeves Bennett, Gunner, 76058, Royal Garrison Artillery. Harry was born at Norwich, the son of Samuel Thomas Bennett, but resided at Llanelli prior to the war, with his wife, Mary A. Bennett. He enlisted into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and was posted to France where he joined the 79th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery during June 1916. Harry fought throughout the war, but was reported missing on 11 October 1918. A court of enquiry later found him to be missing presumed dead on that date, so Harry is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.


S. Bennett, Rifleman, King's Royal Rifle Corps. This man cannot be positively identified. He could be one of three men of that name who fell with the KRRC during the Great War; Samuel was killed on 5 May 1915; Sidney William died of wounds on 15 October 1916, and Sylvester died of wounds on 9 May 1915. He could well be an error on the County War Memorial roll. (see below).

Sidney Llewellyn Bennett, Private, 226929, Monmouthshire Regiment. Sidney was the Son of Llewellyn and Hannah Bennett, of 81, Old Castle Road, Llanelli. He enlisted at Newport into the 1st Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment, which landed in France on 13 February 1915, attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division. After suffering heavy casualties at Ypres, the battalion transferred to the 46th (North Midland) Division, as Pioneers on 3 September 1915. The Division took part in the Attack on the Gommecourt Salient, which was a diversionary attack on 1 July 1916 intended to draw attention away from the main attack on the Somme, but suffered heavy casualties during the attack. They rested for several months at Arras, and at the end of 1916 took part in Operations on the Ancre. During March 1917 the Division followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and then fought in the Battle of Arras, taking part in the Battle of Hill 70. They were near Bethune when Sidney was wounded in July 1918. He died of his wounds on 7 July 1918, aged 21, and is buried at Fouquieres Churchyard Extension, France.


Thomas Bennett, Seaman, R/3452, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was born on 21 September 1888 at Llanelli, and was the Husband of Catherine Bennett, 42 Woodfield Terrace, Penrhiwceiber. He enlisted into the Pembroke Yeomanry, but transferred into the Royal Naval Division on 11 July 1917. Thomas was a draft for the BEF on 6 August 1917, and joined the 10th Entrenching Battalion. On 28 August 1917 he joined Nelson Battalion, RND, remaining with them until being hospitalised with a wounded hand on 14 October 1917. On 5 April 1918 Thomas was posted to Anson Battalion, 189 Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, but was killed in action during the Battle of St. Quentin, on 9 April 1918. Thomas was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial, France.


Thomas Lewis Bennett, Sapper, 175528, Royal Engineers. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Bennett of Red Lion Hotel, Drefach Henllan. He was a native of Kidderminster but the family had moved to the School House, Ferryside prior to the outbreak of war, where Thomas was a Policeman. Thomas enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry in December 1914. Thomas transferred into the Royal Engineers, where he served as a Sapper in 174 Tunnelling Company from 8 July 1916. This Tunnelling Company served on the Western Front throughout the war, and Thomas joined them on the Somme. By October 1916,174 Tunnelling Company had moved north of the Ancre, facing Beaumont-Hamel, before following the German withdrawal in 1917 towards the Cambrai area. Thomas was killed in Action here on 20 November 1917, during the Battle of Cambrai. He was 23 years old and was buried in Croisilles Railway Cemetery, France. His grave was lost during the battle but as he was definitely known to have been buried in the cemetery, Thomas is now remembered by a Special Memorial.


William Edgar Bevan, Private, 49613, Bedfordshire Regiment. William was born at Llanelli. He enlisted at Chiswick into the Army Service Corps, but later transferred into the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, which was attached to 54 Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division. The Division had been in France Since May 1915, and had fought throughout the Battle of the Somme the following year. They fought at Arras in 1917, then at the Third Battle of Ypres, before moving to the Somme area. The Division was one of the Divisions hit by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918, and saw heavy fighting. When the great advance began on 21 August 1918, the Division took part in the drive towards the Hindenburg Line, and after the Line had been broken fought at the Battle of the Selle. William was killed here on 24 October 1918. He is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.


Albert Beynon, Private, 13165, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Albert was the Son of Evan and Margaret Ann Beynon, of 72, Pembrey Road, Llanelli. He was a fine athlete, having played full back for the Scarlets prior to the war; he was also an accomplished cricketer. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which moved to France in June 1915 attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division saw its first action during the opening assault of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915, and it was here that Albert was killed, when he was struck by shrapnel in the head. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 50-52 of the Loos Memorial, France. The photograph below is taken from the Llanelli Mercury, courtesy of Mark Collins.


Herbert John Beynon, Private, G/15694, Royal Sussex Regiment. Herbert was born at Llanelli in June 1887. He married Ellen Lewis at Hendon on 1907, and enlisted at Warley, Essex into the army. Herbert was posted to the 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, which was attached to 116 Brigade, 39th Division. The Division moved to France at the end of February 1916, and on 30 June 1916 it took part in an attack near Richebourg l'Avoue. The Division moved to the Somme in August 1916, where it fought at the Battle of the Ancre Heights, where they captured the Schwaben Redoubt, and helped capture Regina Trench. They then fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained on the Somme over the winter. Herbert was killed on the Ancre on 8 October 1916, aged 39. He is buried at Auchonvillers Military Cemetery, France.


Frank Blackmore, Sergeant, 24082, Welsh Regiment. Frank was born at Llanelli in March 1878, and enlisted at Penarth into the 16th Battalion (Cardiff City), Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on 7 July, but met with fierce resistance, with the wood being well covered by German machine-guns. Frank was killed during the second assault on the wood, on 10 July 1916. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


Julian Victor Blackwell, Second Lieutenant, Lancashire Fusiliers. Julian was born at Llanelli in 1898, the Son of Julian and Emma Blackwell. The family later resided at 34, Austin Street, Tunstall, Wolverhampton, and Julian was educated at Wolverhampton Higher Grade School. He was commissioned in August 1917 into the 11th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, which was in France attached to 74 Brigade, 25th Division. Julian probably joined the battalion after it had moved to Arras from Ypres. Here the Division was used to reinforce the badly depleted British units that were hit in the area by the German Spring Offensive. They moved north to Flanders on the night of 30 March 1918, where they took up positions at Ploegsteert, where they received reinforcements, and rebuilt. However, on 9 April 1918 the Germans launched an offensive on the Lys, and the Division was caught up in the terrible fighting here. Julian was killed in action on 11 April 1918, while attempting to rush a machine gun emplacement. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.


George Cyril Blake, Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. George was the Only Son of George Frederick and Annie Lambert Blake, of 35, College Hill, Llanelli. He was commissioned into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On 11 December 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by 23 December 1915 were moved to Egypt. They remained on the Suez Canal Defences for the next twelve months, where it took part in operations against the Sultan of Darfur, and in March 1917 took part in the advance into Palestine. George must have taken ill during this time, and was evacuated to England, where he was hospitalised at Manchester. He died there on 5 November 1917, aged 31, and is buried at Manchester Southern Cemetery.


William Bodman, Private, 8510, Royal Irish Regiment. William was the Son of Mr. W. and Mrs. S. A. Bodman, of 134, Old Castle Road, Llanelli. He was a Tinplater prior to the war, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Hussars on 30 August 1914. He embarked for France on 22 June 1915 to join the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, which was attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. William then fought at the Battle of Loos in September, and moved with his Battalion to the Somme in July 1916. He was killed there at the Battle of Delville Wood on 3 September 1916. William was 24 years old, and is buried at Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, France.


William Bourne, Private, 5344, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair. William was wounded during the coming days, and evacuated to Hospital at Alexandria, where he died of his wounds on 28 August 1915. He is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military Cemetery, Egypt.

C. Bowen, Private, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. This man cannot presently be identified.

Clifford Anderson Bowen, Private, 13437, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Clifford was the Son of Mrs. Moodie, of 6, Llwynwhilog Terrace, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France during July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. The following year the Division moved to the Somme, where it took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost. It then fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. Clifford was shot in the head on 18 August 1916, and was evacuated to Hospital for treatment. He died of his wounds on 25 August 1916, and is buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France.


G. Bowen, Private, South Wales Borderers. This man cannot presently be identified.

Oliver Bowen, Private, 227373, Monmouthshire Regiment. Oliver was the Son of Daniel and Sarah Ann Bowen, of 21, Pentrepoeth, Furnace; Llanelli. He enlisted at Newport into the 1st Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment. The battalion had landed in France on 13 February 1915, joining 84 Brigade, 28th Division at Ypres. It fought at Second Ypres, and in September 1915 became the Pioneer Battalion to the 46th (North Midland) Division. The Monmouths then fought at the Hohenzollern Redoubt near Loos, before temporarily departing for Egypt, where it was immediately recalled to France, and took part in the attack on the Gommecourt Salient on 1 July 1916. The Division rested for several months at Arras, and at the end of 1916 took part in Operations on the Ancre. During March 1917 the Division followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and then fought in the Battle of Arras, taking part in the Battle of Hill 70. Oliver was killed near Arras on 22 November 1917. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.


Sydney Bowen, Private, 285058, Cheshire Regiment. Sydney was born at Llanelli, and enlisted at Bridgend into the Glamorgan Yeomanry. He was later posted to France, where he joined the 11th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. The battalion had been in France since September 1915 attached to 7 Brigade, 25th Division, and were posted to the Vimy area. They then moved to the Somme and attacked on 3 July 1916 near Thiepval. They fought throughout the Battle of the Somme, and then moved to Ploegsteert, where they held the line for the months leading up the Battle of Messines in June 1917. After fighting at Messines, the Division moved north, and fought at Pilckem, before moving south again, where they took up positions around Bullecourt in reserve. Here the Division was used to reinforce the badly depleted units that were hit in the area by the German Spring Offensive. They moved north to Flanders on the night of 30 March 1918, where they took up positions at Ploegsteert again, where they received reinforcements, and rebuilt. However on 9 April the Germans launched an offensive on the Lys, and the Division was caught up in the terrible fighting here. Sydney was killed during the Battle of Kemmel, on 20 April 1918. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.


Thomas John Bowen, Private, 14480, South Wales Borderers. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Jane Bowen, of 21, Custom House Bank, Llanelli. Prior to the war he lived with his wife, Sarah, at 81, Dillwyn Street, Llanelli. Thomas had enlisted at Llanelli into the 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France during July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. The following year the Division moved to the Somme, where it took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July 1916, capturing the village at heavy cost. Thomas was killed during later fighting at Pozieres, on 30 July 1916. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


William George Bowen, Sapper, 908, Royal Engineers. William was residing at 34, Penygroes Street, Llanelli when he enlisted in April 1915 into the 3rd/1st Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. He was discharged from the army on 4 June 1915 as being deemed unlikely to become an efficient soldier. No more is currently known of him, but he must have died relatively soon after being discharged from the army.

William James Bowen, Private, 28712, Somerset Light Infantry. William was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bowen, of 5, Annesley Street, Llanelli. He served with the Monmouth Regiment before being transferred into the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, which was attached to 11 Brigade, 4th Division. The Division had been in France since the outbreak of war, and had fought in the retreat from Mons to the Marne. The Division was then moved north to Flanders, and took part in the Battle of Messines. In 1915 the Division fought at the Second Battle of Ypres, and in the summer of 1916 were on the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Albert and the Battle of Le Transloy. In April 1917 they fought at the Battle of Arras, before moving back to Ypres, and fighting throughout the Passchendaele Offensive In spring 1918 the Division fought at the First Battle of Arras, and were then moved back to Flanders, where they were caught up in heavy fighting during the German attack on the Lys. William was wounded here during the Battle of Hazebrouck, and died on 16 April 1918. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Pernes British Cemetery, France.


Robert Bowser, Lance Corporal, 202636, Welsh Regiment. Robert was the Son of Alfred and Hannah Bowser. of Llanelli. He joined the 18th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. The Division moved to France during June 1916, and moved to the front near Loos. Late in 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained in the area over the winter. In March 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40th Division were one of the Divisions that followed the withdrawal. Later in the year they took part in the Battle of Cambrai, playing an important role in the attack on Bourlon Wood. They remained in the area over the coming months, but were caught here by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918, and suffered heavy casualties in the coming days. Robert was probably wounded here, and sent back to Britain for treatment. He died of his wounds on 29 April 1918, aged 32, and is buried at Llanelli (Old Road) Church Cemetery.

William George Brewer, Private, 5022, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair. William was killed here on 10 August 1915, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.


William Thomas Brookes, Private, 33521, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Cheshire, and worked at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted there into the army, and was posted to France, where he joined the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos. William was killed here during the Battle of Loos, on 25 September 1915. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.


Frank Anthony Brown, Ships Engineer, Mercantile Marine. Frank was born at Llanelli, and served with the Mercantile Marine aboard the SS Linda Fell. She sailed from Philadelphia on 20 September 1915 for Cienfuegos, with a cargo of coal, but was posted as missing. Frank is recorded as being lost with the ship on 20 September 1915. He was 50 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William Henry Albert Brown, Private, 52687, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Henry and Mary Ann Brown, of Swansea, and the Husband of Annie Brown, of 24, Downing Street, Llanelli. He joined the army at Cardiff, and was posted to France late in 1916, joining the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. In 1917 the Division moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines. William was wounded early in August 1917, and died of his wounds on 11 August 1917, aged 27. He is buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France.


William Joseph Brown, Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps. William was the Son of Richard and Margaret Brown, of 10, Great Western Terrace, Llanelli. He had served with the 1st City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders), before volunteering to serve with the Royal Flying Corps, and was posted to Egypt, where he joined the Aerial Fighting School, 38th Training Wing. William was killed in an accident on 21 February 1918. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

Alfred Ernest Bullock, Private, 50898, North Staffordshire Regiment. Alfred was the Son of Alfred and Annie Bullock of Bath. He had served in the army during the Boer War, then married, and resided with his wife, Lily Louisa Bullock, at Thornsbeach Bungalow, New Road, Pwll, Llanelli. Alfred re-enlisted at the outbreak of war, and was posted to the Depot Battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment. Alfred was deemed as unfit for service overseas, and remained on home service for the duration, being attached to the 504th Agricultural Company at Carmarthen Grammar School on 26 February 1918. He became ill, and died on 14 March 1919, aged 35, and is buried at Llanelli (Old Road) Church Cemetery.


Ernest Barron Burgess, Private, 55558, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Ernest was the Son of George and Harriet Burgess, of St. Hilda, Merthyr-Mawr Road, Bridgend, and the Husband of Muriel Jane Burgess. Ernest had served with the Welsh Horse Yeomanry before being transferred into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, probably late in 1916, which was attached to 19 Brigade, 33rd Division. They then fought at the Battle of the Scarpe and at Bullecourt, before heading to Ypres, and fighting at the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood. Ernest was killed at Ypres on 10 October 1917. He was 24 years old, and is buried at La Plus Douve Farm Cemetery, Belgium.


Alfred Leonard Burton, Corporal, 7809, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Alfred was the Son of Alfred E. and Harriet Burton, of 2, Lichfield Street, Stourport, Worcs. He had joined the army in 1907, and served with the King's Royal Rifle Corps. At the outbreak of war, Alfred moved to France with their 2nd Battalion, which was attached to 2 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division took part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne, before being sent to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they helped stop the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers Ridge, and it was here on 9 May 1915 that Alfred was killed. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.

 

Charles Edward Butcher, Private, 9817, Worcestershire Regiment. Charles was the Son of Mrs. Charles Butcher, of Brook Street, Benson, Wallingford, Berks. He enlisted into the 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, which became attached to 88 Brigade, 29th Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, and remained here for the duration of the campaign. Charles was killed in action during the Battle of Krithia Vineyard on 6 August 1915. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Arthur Butchers, Private, 539, Royal Irish Regiment. Arthur was the fifth Son of Thomas and Frances Butchers, of 15, Custom House Bank, Seaside, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the army, and was posted to the 5th Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, which was attached to 29 Brigade, 10th (Irish) Division. On 27 June 1915 the Division received orders to prepare for service on Gallipoli, and embarked at Liverpool on 9 July. By the end of the month most units had assembled on Lemnos, and on 6 August 1915 29 Brigade landed at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli. Parts of 29 Brigade took part in actions on Sari Bair from 6 August, and it was here that Arthur was killed on 16 August 1915. He was 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Thomas Butchers, Private, 20133, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was the Son of John and Mary Butchers, of 23, Ropewalk Road, New Dock, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which moved to France in December 1915 attached to 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. After several months initiating into trench warfare around the Fleurbaix and Givenchy sectors, the Division moved to the Somme in June 1916, and on 7 July 1916 launched its assault on Mametz Wood. The first attack failed, with many lives lost, and it wasn't until 10 July that the assault was renewed. Thomas was killed that day. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


David Walter Cainan, Lance Corporal, 9866, Rifle Brigade. David was born on 9 April 1886, the Son of William and Catherine Cainan, of 49 Albert Street, Llanelli. He had enlisted into the army on 4 May 1903, and had served in Malta and India, prior to the outbreak of war, with the 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade. The battalion was recalled to Britain from India, where it joined 25 Brigade, 8th Division, and moved to the Western Front in October 1914. They saw their first major action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and it was here, on 14 March 1915, that David was killed. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.


Ernest George Cairns, Private, 59172, Royal Army Medical Corps. Ernest was the Son of Robert and Annie Cairns, of London. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Army Medical Corps. He served aboard HMHS Galeka, a Hospital Ship. She served on the South Africa route until the First World War when she was used as a troop transport, carrying troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps to the Gallipoli Campaign. Galeka was then refitted as a hospital ship with accommodation for 366 wounded passengers. On 28 October 1916, while entering Le Havre, HMHS Galeka struck a mine. She was not carrying patients, but 19 Royal Army Medical Corps personnel died in the explosion. Ernest was 37 years old when he was killed that day. He is buried in the Galeka Plot at Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France.


William Callaghan, Acting Corporal, 200766, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Mrs. Mary Callaghan, of 1, Cuthberson Court, Water Street, Neath. He had been born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On 11 December 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by 23 December 1915 were moved to Egypt. They remained on the Suez Canal Defences for the next twelve months, where it took part in operations against the Sultan of Darfur, and in March 1917 took part in the advance into Palestine. William was wounded at Gaza, and died on 18 July 1917 of his wounds. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Haifa War Cemetery, Egypt.


Martin Carey, Gunner, 7505, Royal Garrison Artillery. Martin was born at Tipperary, but worked at Llanelli prior to the war. He had served with No.2 Depot Company, Royal Garrison Artillery, which was a Home Service unit, and died on 25 November 1916. Martin is buried at Fareham Cemetery, England.

Thomas Wright Carson, Second Lieutenant, West Riding Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Rev. William Carson, sometime Vicar of Girlington, Bradford, and Mrs. Carson, of Salisbury Street, Skipton, Yorks. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and was commissioned into the 6th Battalion, West Riding Regiment. On 14 April 1915 the battalion landed at Boulogne, and on 15 May 1915 became part of 147 Brigade, 49th (West Riding) Division. Thomas was killed in action on 27 December 1915, near Hill 62, at Ypres. He was 31 years old, and is buried at Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, Belgium.


Frederick John Carter, Private, 37080, Cameronians. Frederick was born at Castleford, Yorkshire. He had resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted at Bridgend into the Army Service Corps. Frederick was later posted to the 11th Battalion, Cameronians, which were attached to 77 Brigade, 26th Division. The Division moved to France in September 1915, and concentrated at Guignemicourt, west of Amiens. In November 1915 the Division moved to Salonika, where it remained. Frederick was killed in Salonika, during the Battle of Doiran, on 19 September 1918. He is commemorated on the Doiran Memorial, Greece.


William Charles Carter, Private, 8139, Royal Berkshire Regiment. William was the Husband of Mary J. Carter, of 16, St. John's St., Malmesbury, Wilts. He worked for the Great Western Railways at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the army. William was posted to the 1st Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, which was attached to 99 Brigade, 2nd Division. William was killed at Loos on 6 February 1916. He was 36 years old, and is buried at Chocques Military Cemetery, France.


William Cartwright, Gunner, RMA/12222, Royal Marine Artillery. William was born at Llanelli. He enlisted on 2 April 1908 into the Royal Marines, and served with the Royal Marine Artillery, aboard HMS Good Hope at the outbreak of war, which was attached to the West Indies Squadron. William was killed when Good Hope was sunk at the Battle of Coronel on 1 November 1914. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

Hubert Braven Chapman, Private, 43584, Worcestershire Regiment. Hubert was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the Cheshire Regiment. He was posted to the 2/8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, which was attached to 182 Brigade, 61st (2nd South Midland) Division. The Division moved to the Western Front in May 1916, moving to positions at Fromelles, and took part in the disastrous attack there on 19 July 1916. The Division suffered very heavy casualties, and didn't see action again until March 1917, when it followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. Later that year it fought at the Battle of Langemarck. The Division then moved south, where it took part in the Battle of Cambrai. During March 1918 the Division was holding the forward defences in the sector northwest of Saint Quentin, near Ham, and lost many men during the coming days. After suffering heavy casualties, the depleted Division was moved to Flanders to rest, but the Germans launched the second phase of their offensive here just weeks later, seeing the Division in the thick of the action again. Hubert was wounded on 9 April 1918, and died two days later, on 11 April 1918. He is buried at Lillers Communal Cemetery, France.


James Chappell, Private, 17965, Grenadier Guards. James was born in Wiltshire, but worked at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted there into the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, which had moved to France in September 1914 attached to 20 Brigade, 7th Division. On 4 August 1915 the battalion transferred to 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division, and took part in the Battle of Loos. In July 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs Village. They remained here for the winter, and in March 1917 took part in the advance caused by the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. Later that year they moved north to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of the Pilkem Ridge. James was killed here on 5 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.


David John Charles, Private, 43298, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of John and Mary Ann Charles, of 22, George Street, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the army, and was posted to the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. David probably joined the battalion after its successful attack on La Boiselle, on the Somme in July 1916. In 1917 the Division moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were caught up in the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties, and fought at the Battle of Bapaume. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines, and at Bailleul, and Kemmel. After suffering terribly again, they moved South to the quieter French sector to rebuild, but were caught up in the German offensive on the Aisne, and suffered heavy casualties again. David was killed here on 30 May 1918. He was 38 years old, and is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, France.


Howell Charles, Private, 4325, Welsh Regiment. Howell was the Son of Mrs. Hannah Charles, of 11, Caroline Street, Llanelli. He was employed at Llanelli Copper Works before the war, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. Howell was killed here on 10 August 1915. He was just 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Joseph Charles, Private, 306895, Tank Corps. Joseph was the Son of John and Elizabeth Charles, of 3, Charles Street, Marble Hall, Llanelli. He originally served with the Cheshire Regiment, but volunteered to serve with the 4th Battalion, Tank Corps. The Battalion was caught up in the German offensive on the Somme on 21 March 1918, and lost all bar one of its tanks over the coming days. The survivors must have moved north to Flanders to rebuild, but were caught up in a fresh German attack here on 9 April 1918. Joseph was killed near Hazebrouck on 25 April 1918. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Morbecque British Cemetery, France.


Sidney Chatham, Sergeant, 18801, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Sidney was born at Llanelli in December 1888. He enlisted at Neath into the 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they famously captured Mametz Wood during July 1916. During the following year the Division fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck, before wintering in the Armentières sector, where they remained until March 1918 when the German Spring Offensive was launched on the Somme. The British had been over-run on the Somme, and so in April the 38th Division was moved south, taking up positions North of Albert, from where they weathered the storm of the coming months. On 21 August 1918 the Division launched its assault across the River Ancre, and over the coming weeks drove the Germans back to the Hindenburg Line, before heading towards Le Cateau and the Forest of Mormal. Sidney was killed in action here, during the Battle of the Selle, on 20 October 1918. He was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.


Matthew Cheevers, Private, 14211, King's Liverpool Regiment. Matthew was the Son of James and Catherine Cheevers (nee Hanlon), of Horeswood, Campile, Co. Wexford. He worked at Llanelli prior to the war, along with his brother Patrick, and enlisted with Patrick into the army on 28 September 1914. He was posted to France with the 12th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, which was attached to 61 Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. On 26 July 1915 the Division moved to the Fleurbaix Sector for trench familiarisation and training. When the Battle of Loos was launched on 25 September 1915 the Division fought a diversionary attack towards Fromelles. Later that year they moved north, and fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel alongside the Canadian Corps. They then fought through the Somme Offensive, at the Battles of Delville Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy, and took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917. Matthew was wounded here, and died on 27 March 1917, aged 23. He is buried at Hermies Hill British Cemetery, France. His brother Patrick was killed on 3 May 1917.


Patrick Cheevers, Sergeant, 14122, King's Liverpool Regiment. Patrick was the Son of James and Catherine Cheevers, of Horeswood, Campile, Co. Wexford. He worked at Llanelli prior to the war, along with his brother Michael, and enlisted with Michael into the army on 28 September 1914. He was posted to France with the 12th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, which was attached to 61 Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. On 26 July 1915 the Division moved to the Fleurbaix Sector for trench familiarisation and training. When the Battle of Loos was launched on 25 September 1915 the Division fought a diversionary attack towards Fromelles. Later that year they moved north, and fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel alongside the Canadian Corps. They then fought through the Somme Offensive, at the Battles of Delville Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy, and took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917. Patrick was killed here on 3 May 1917, aged 26. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. His brother Michael died on 27 March 1917.


George Henry Chester, Private, 102172, Machine Gun Corps. George was born at Llanelli, and resided at Bryntirion Terrace, Llanelli prior to the war. He served with the 228th Company, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 39th Division. The Division moved to France at the end of February 1916, and moved to the Neuve Chapelle sector. The Division moved to the Somme in August 1916, where it fought at the Battle of the Ancre Heights, where they captured the Schwaben Redoubt, and helped capture Regina Trench. They then fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained on the Somme over the winter. In 1917 the Division was at Ypres. George was killed here during the Battle of the Menin Road, on 22 September 1917. He is commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.


Alfred Chudley, Private, 7248, Devonshire Regiment. Alfred was born at Morchard Bishop, Devon, the Son of John and Mary Chudley. He was the husband of Ann Stentiford. Alfred resided at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted there into the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, which was attached to 23 Brigade, 8th Division. The 8th Division was formed during October 1914, by the bringing together of regular army units from various points around the British Empire. The Division moved to the Western Front in November 1914, a badly-needed reinforcement to the BEF which had been all but wiped out at Ypres. Alfred was killed at Ypres on 18 December 1914, aged 33. He is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.


Cecil John Clark, Lance Corporal, 39436, Welsh Regiment. Little is known of Cecil but he was born in Bristol and enlisted at Llanelli into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment which was sent to France at the outbreak of war as part of 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division moved immediately to the Belgian town of Mons, where they fought a pitched battle against the advancing Germans. The overwhelming attackers pushed the British southwards, through Le Cateau and down towards Paris, where the British stopped the German advance at the Battle of the Marne. The Germans retreated, and the BEF followed, fighting another Battle at the River Aisne, before moving to Ypres. The Division fought in Flanders before moving to the Somme in mid 1916, and it was here that Cecil was killed, during the Battle of Pozieres, on 26 July 1916. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


John Henry Clarke, Private, 202945, South Lancashire Regiment. John was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. M. Clarke, of 14, Christopher Street, Llanelli. He enlisted at Cardiff into the army, and was posted to the 2/4th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, which was attached to 172 Brigade, 57th (2nd West Lancs) Division. The Division moved to France between 7 and 22 February 1917, and moved to positions near Ypres, where they took part in the Second Battle of Passchendaele. In 1918 they took part in the 1918 Battle of the Scarpe, and at the Battle of Drocourt-Queant. They fought on the Hindenburg Line during the Battle of the Canal du Nord, and it was here that John was wounded. He died on 28 September 1918, aged 28, and is buried at Beaumetz Cross Roads Cemetery, France.


Michael Codd, Private, 6621, Royal Munster Fusiliers. Michael was the Son of Nicholas Codd, of Milehouse, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. He worked at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the army. Michael was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers, which landed in France on 14 August 1914, taking part in the retreat from Mons to Le Cateau over the coming weeks. On 9 November 1914 the battalion transferred to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, and fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where the German drive to the Channel was halted. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos, and the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt. Again they were required for a major offensive, moving south to the Somme, where they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert, then at Bazentin, Pozières, Flers-Courcelette and Morval. They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were then briefed for an operation on the Flanders Coast, and moved there during the summer of 1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Michael was killed here on 10 November 1917. He was 39 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.


Abraham Cohen, Private, 14347, Welsh Regiment. Abraham was born at Leeds. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. Abraham survived the war, but died of wounds in Hospital in Leeds on 6 March 1919. He is buried at Leeds Jewish Cemetery, Yorkshire.

Victor James Cole, MSM, Acting Lance Corporal, WR/178798, Royal Engineers. Victor was the Son of George and Elizabeth Cole, and the Husband of Margaret Cole, of 5, Dolan Road, New Dock, Llanelli. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry in November 1914, and later transferred into the Railways Division, Royal Engineers in February 1917. The RE Railway workers served on the Western Front throughout the whole of the war, often in close proximity to the front. Victor was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at some time here, but was wounded on 2 September 1918 and came home for treatment at the 53rd General Hospital, Bagthorpe. He sadly died of wounds on 27 September 1918, aged 28, and was buried at Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.


William Coleman, MM, Sergeant, 4947, Machine Gun Corps. William was the Adopted son of Mr and Mrs J. Carpenter, Fruiterers, of Church Street, Llanelli. He lived with his wife Sarah Jane Coleman, and two children, at 8, Ford Road, Velindre, Port Talbot. William enlisted into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Carmarthen Pals battalion, but later transferred into the 62nd Company, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 21st Division. The Division crossed to France during September 1915, and saw its first action at the Battle of Loos. They moved to the Somme in 1916, and fought at the Battle of Albert. William was killed on the Somme on 13 July 1916. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. William had been awarded the Military Medal for bravery prior to his death.


Harry Collins, Private, 266145, West Yorkshire Regiment. Harry had enlisted at Leeds into the 2/7th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, which was attached to 185 Brigade, 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division. The Division concentrated on the Western Front by 18 January 1917, and took part in Operations on the Ancre. In March 1917 the Division followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and then fought at the Battle of Arras, during the Flanking Operations Round Bullecourt. Harry was killed here on 12 May 1917, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.


Rees Connick, Stoker, K/53680, Royal Navy. Rees was born on 16 April 1892, the Son of Thomas and Ann Connick, of 31, Mysydd Terrace, Landore, Swansea. He had resided at Llanelli prior to joining the Royal Navy, and served at HMS Vivid towards the end of the war. Rees died on 20 September 1918. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Swansea (Cwmgelly) Cemetery.

Michael John Connolly, Bombardier, 65837, Royal Horse Artillery. Michael was the Son of Mrs. A. M. Connolly, of 8, Council Houses, Fair Oak. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted at Winchester into the Royal Horse Artillery. Michael served with E Battery, RHA, which was attached to the 5th Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. He survived the war, but died of wounds in hospital on 9 February 1919. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Fair Oak (St. Thomas) Churchyard.

Fred Cooper, Private, 13380, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Fred was the Son of Mrs. Myra E. Cooper, of 41, New Dock Road, Llanelli. He enlisted at Birmingham into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which moved to France on 6 October 1914 attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. They fought during the First Battle of Ypres, and in March 1915 fought at the Battle of Neuve Chappelle. During May they fought at the Battle of Aubers Ridge, and at Festubert, before taking part in the Battle of Loos in September. In the summer of 1916, the Division were on the Somme, and took part in the Battle of Albert, where they captured Mametz, one of the few successes of 1 July 1916. They then fought at the Battle of Bazentin, and the Attacks on High Wood. Fred was killed during the Battle of Delville Wood, on 3 September 1916. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


Thomas Coote, (alias Thomas Cook), Private, 16343, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Birmingham, but resided at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted there under the name Thomas Cook, into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the Pioneer Battalion to the 13th (Western) Division. On 13 June 1915 the Division sailed for Alexandria, and moved to Mudros before being landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli from 6 July 1915, relieving the 29th Division. Thomas was killed during the Battle of Sari Bair, on 8 August 1915. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Thomas Coonan, MM, Guardsman, 76, Guards Machine Gun Regiment. Thomas was the Son of William and Margaret Coonan, of O'Gonnelloe, Killaloe, Co. Clare. He worked at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the Grenadier Guards. Thomas was transferred into the 4th Battalion, Guards Machine Gun Regiment, which was formed on 1 March 1918, attached to the Guards Division. Thomas was killed during the latter stages of the German offensive on the Somme, on 7 May 1918. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Gommecourt Wood New Cemetery, Fonquevillers, France. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the Somme, which was listed in the London Gazette of 11 October 1916.

Arthur Corbett, Private, 9668, Wiltshire Regiment. Arthur was born on 22 September 1894, the son of Henry and Marian Corbett, of 8, Albion Street, Swindon, Wilts. He worked at the Great Western railway Depot at Llanelli prior to the war, before returning home to enlist into the 2nd Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment. The battalion was attached to 21 Brigade, 7th Division, and on 7 October 1914 landed at Zeebrugge, before moving to positions east of Ypres. After helping stop the German drive towards the Channel Coast at Ypres, the Division moved south to Fleurbaix, and it was here, on 23 February 1915 that Arthur was killed. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Rue-David Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix, France. Arthur is not commemorated locally, but is named among the Llanelli staff on the GWR Memorial.

 

David John Coslett, Private, 15108, South Wales Borderers. David was the Husband of Elizabeth Ann Coslett, of 28, Waterloo Street, Llanelli. Born in Swansea in 1876, he rejoined the South Wales Borderers in August 1914 at the start of the First World War. He arrived in France on 29 November 1914, and was wounded at the Battle of Loos, losing both of his legs due to machine gun fire. He died of his wounds in St Omer on 3 November 1915, aged 41, and is buried in Longuenesse Military Cemetery, France.


Stephen Charles Court, Private, 28606, Canadian Infantry. Stephen was born in Jersey. He had moved to Llanelli prior to the war, and lived with his wife, Eleanor Court, at 16, Ropewalk Road, Llanelli. Stephen served for six years with the Royal marines, before going to Canada, where he enlisted into the 16th Battalion (Manitoba), Canadian Infantry, at Valcartier, on 23 September 1914. The battalion moved to France attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Canadian Division, and took up positions around Ypres. Stephen was killed here on 4 September 1915. He was 45 years old, and was buried at La Plus Douve Farm Cemetery, Belgium.


David James Crawford, Private, 46155, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Crawford, of Castlefield, Station Road, Llanelli. He enlisted into the army at Llanelli, and was posted to the 1/5th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, in Palestine. David embarked at Marseilles on 3 May 1917 aboard the troopship RMS Transylvania, which was bound for Alexandria, carrying around 3,000 troops. On 4 May 1917, she was struck in the port engine room by a torpedo fired by the German submarine U-63. While the troops were transferring to another ship, another torpedo struck Transylvania, sinking her, with the loss of ten crew members, 29 army officers and 373 soldiers. David was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Savona Memorial, Italy.


Charles Croxon, Private, 15734, Worcestershire Regiment. Charles was born at Tipsend, Cambridge, and worked at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted there into the army. He was posted to the 9th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, which was attached to 39 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. On 13 June 1915 the Division sailed for Alexandria, and moved to Mudros before being landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli from 6 July 1915, relieving the 29th Division. Charles was wounded at Gallipoli, and evacuated to hospital at Malta, where he died of his wounds on 17 September 1915. He is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.


William George Crumpler, Private, 10727, Devonshire Regiment. William was born at Wareham, Dorset. He worked at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the 6th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, which was a Reserve Battalion. William died in France on 14 September 1915, aged 34. He is buried at Le Treport Military Cemetery, France.


John Daley, Private, 291149, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the Son of the late Henry and Ann Daley of Portmadoc. He was the husband of Margaret Ann Daley (formerly Price), of 27, Florence Street, Llanelli. John enlisted at Harlech into the 1/7th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was the Merioneth and Montgomery battalion, attached to 158 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division sailed from Devonport in July 1915, and arrived at Mudros on 5 August 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on 9 August 1915. Here the Division was immediately thrown into action, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, then the ensuing Attack on Scimitar Hill. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On 11 December 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by 23 December 1915 were moved to Egypt. They remained on the Suez Canal Defences for the next twelve months, and in early 1917 moved into Palestine, where they remained for the duration of the war, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and successfully capturing Jerusalem. John was killed at the Third Battle of Gaza on 6 November 1917. He was 27 years old, and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.

Charles Dalkeith-Scott, Lieutenant, Canadian Infantry. Charles was born at Llanelli in 1889, the Son of Captain Dalkeith Martin Scott of the Carmarthenshire Constabulary, and of Amy Dalkeith Scott, later of 47, Rivers Street, Bath. He was educated at Bath College, where he was in the first Rugby XV, and also for several years served in the Cadet Corps. On leaving college he took up work in Vancouver Island, and lived there for six years prior to the war, being employed by Mr. A.W. Hanham, Quamichan, and the V.I. Nurseries, Somenos. He enlisted in September 1914 into the 16th Battalion, Canadian Infantry as a private, and arrived in France in October 1914. Charles was subsequently commissioned in January 1916 into the 15th Battalion, CWF, before being wounded and volunteering to serve with the Royal Flying Corps. After gaining his pilots wings, Charles was attached to 70 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. On 30 September 1917 Charles was flying his Sopwith Camel, serial B2398 over the Houthulst Forest when he was attacked by a large formation of German Albatros scouts. After a gallant fight, his aeroplane was driven down, killing Charles. He was 28 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Arras Flying Services Memorial, France.


David Daniels, Private, 3867, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of Benjamin and Ann Daniels, of 9, Box Terrace, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair. David was wounded during the latter stages of the campaign at Gallipoli, and died on 10 December 1915 aboard a Hospital Ship, aged just 19. He was buried at sea, so is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

William Daniels, Private, Welsh Horse. William is mentioned in an article in the Llanelly Mercury, as residing at 9, Box Terrace, Llanelli, and serving with the 4th Battalion, Welsh Horse, when he was killed at Gallipoli. There was no such unit at Gallipoli, only the 1/1st Welsh Horse, or the 4th Welsh, so William cannot presently be identified.

Horace Dash, Private, 20480, Welsh Regiment. Horace was born at Wood Green, Middlesex, and had moved to Llanelli by 1911. He enlisted at Llanelli in February 1915 into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as the Carmarthen Pals battalion. Horace was transferred at some time to the 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. Horace probably fought at Mametz Wood with the Division, before being sent back to England sick. He died on 5 April 1917, aged 21, and is buried at St. Pancras Cemetery, England.

Thomas H Davey, Private, 12270, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was the Son of Sarah Rees, of Whitstable Inn, Llanelli. He served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, landing in the Balkans on 9 July 1915. No more can presently be traced of Thomas.

O. G. David, Private, Welsh. This man cannot presently be identified, but may be Gomer O. David, who served with the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment.

William Gordon David, Private, 36364, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the South Wales Borderers. He later transferred into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division. The Division formed in England between December 1914 and January 1915 from regular units returning from India, Singapore and Egypt. During January 1915 it moved to France, landing at Le Havre and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. The Division suffered heavy casualties, and rebuilt before taking part in the Battle of Loos. William was killed at Loos on 2 October 1915. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.


Albert George Davies, Sapper, 158410, Royal Engineers. Albert was the Husband of Caroline Matilda Davies. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Engineers, and was sent to France, where he joined the 176th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers. Albert was killed while the Company was stationed in the Vimy sector, on 15 March 1918. He is buried at St. Nicolas British Cemetery, France.


Benjamin Davies, Private, 13095, Welsh Regiment. Benjamin was born at Porth, and resided at Llandefeilog prior to the war. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which moved to France at the outbreak of war, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division took part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne, before moving to Ypres, where they famously helped stop the German advance on the ancient city. They remained in the area over the winter, before moving to the Neuve Chapelle sector. Benjamin was killed here on 25 May 1915. He is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.


Benjamin Davies, Private, R2776, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Benjamin was the Son of Daniel Davies, of 41, Hoskin Terrace, Cwmbwrla, Swansea. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the army. Benjamin was posted to the 12th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps, which was attached to 60 Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. On 26 July 1915 the Division completed concentration in the Saint-Omer area, and moved to the Fleurbaix Sector for trench familiarisation and training. When the Battle of Loos was launched on 25 September 1915 the Division fought a diversionary attack towards Fromelles. Later that year they moved north, and fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel alongside the Canadian Corps. Benjamin was killed here on 12 February 1916. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.


C. Davies, Sapper, Royal Engineers. This man cannot presently be identified.

Cadwallader Davies, Private, 201586, South Wales Borderers. Cadwallader had been born at Lampeter, the Son of John and Hannah Davies, who later moved their family to Llanelli. He enlisted at Brecon into the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was the Pioneer Battalion to the 25th Division. The Division moved to France in September 1915 and took the line at Vimy Ridge. It fought on the Somme in 1916, and at Messines and Pilckem in 1917. It was used to plug a gap in the line near Arras during the German Offensive of March 1918 before being moved to positions near Ploegsteert, where it faced the German Offensive on the Lys in April 1918. After suffering heavy losses, the Division moved to Soissons to rest, but were hit by another German offensive there in May. Now decimated, the Division returned to England to rebuild, before moving back to France at the end of August 1918. Cadwallader was wounded soon after, and died of his wounds on 27 August 1918 aged 22. He is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, France.


Clifford Davies, Private, 14733, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Clifford was the Son of Edwin Thomas and Sarah Ann Davies, of 29, Mausel Street, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. In July 1915 the Division landed at Mudros, then moved to the Gallipoli peninsula. After evacuation in January 1916, the Division was sent to Egypt, before heading through Suez on 14 February 1916, arriving at Basra on 28 February 1916. The 8th RWF was then involved in the bitter campaign against the Turkish army in Mesopotamia. The Battalion fought on throughout April 1916, pushing the Turks back through Falahiyeh, Sannaiyat, Beit Aieesa and Abu Roman Mounds. They fought here for the remainder of the war, but Clifford took ill, and was sent to a Hospital in India, where he died on 25 September 1918. Clifford is commemorated on the Kirkee Memorial, Poona, India.

D. J. Davies, Private, South Wales Borderers. This man cannot presently be identified.

Daniel Davies, Private, 13369, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Daniel was born in Laugharne, to Mr and Mrs T. Davies of the Grist. He married and moved with his wife to Llanelli, where they raised six children. Daniel was an early volunteer in the army, serving as Private in the 8th (Service) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Wetsern) Division. In July 1915 the Division landed at Mudros, then moved to the Gallipoli peninsula. Daniel landed on Gallipoli on 15 October 1915, as part of a batch of reinforcements. In January 1916 the 8th RWF were sent to Egypt, before heading through Suez on 14 February 1916, arriving at Basra on 28 February 1916. The 8th RWF was then involved in the bitter campaign against the Turkish army in Mesopotamia. The Battalion fought on throughout April 1916, pushing the Turks back through Falahiyeh, Sannaiyat, Beit Aieesa and Abu Roman Mounds. They were hit by savage Turkish counter-attacks, but held on, before being replaced in the front line on 28 April and moving to a rest camp. The Battalion were then entrenched in Beit Aieesa. At some time during this period, Daniel was shot in the back by a German sniper, and was sent to a Hospital in India. There he was operated on, having the bullet successfully removed, but succumbed to his wounds on 10 May 1916. Daniel is commemorated on the Kirkee Memorial, Poona, India.

Daniel Davies, Private, 1671, Welsh Regiment. Daniel was the Son of Mrs Jenkins, of 10, Thomas Street, Llanelli. He was a reservist with the 3rd Welsh prior to the war, and upon the outbreak of war went to France with the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division took part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne, before being moved to Ypres, where the 2nd Welsh gained fame in their historic stand at Gheluveldt. They moved to the Cuinchy sector afterwards, and it was there, during the Affair of Cuinchy, that Daniel was killed on 30 January 1915. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.


David Davies, Sapper, 790, Royal Engineers. David was the husband of Gwen Davies, of 7, Water Street, Llanelli, and had served for five years with the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Welsh Regiment prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 3/1st Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers on 10 May 1915. David remained on home service until 27 September 1916, when he was discharged as permanently unfit for service. Nothing else can presently be traced about him, but he possibly died in 1919.

David Davies, Gunner, 82072, Royal Field Artillery. David enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Artillery, and was posted to D Battery, 62nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which was attached to the 12th (Eastern) Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on 31 May 1915, and took over the line at Ploegsteert Wood. They then moved south and fought in the Battle of Loos, and the subsequent actions of the Hohenzollern Redoubt, and remained there until March 1916. By June they were in position at the Somme, and attacked Ovillers on 2 July 1916. They then fought at the later Battles of Pozieres and Le Transloy, and it was during the latter, that David was killed on 24 October 1916. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


David Beynon Davies, Lieutenant, Royal Air Force. David was the Son of John and Nancy Davies, of Esgereinon, Cross Inn, Cardiganshire. He had two residences prior to the war, at 23, Church-road, Abertridwr, and at Adrian Court, Usk. David was commissioned into the Army, transferring from the General List to the Royal Flying Corps, and was posted to France with 52 Squadron, RFC. David was killed while flying his RE8, Serial A4695 in aerial combat over Spermalie on 11 August 1917, when he was shot down by Leutnant J. Buckler, of Jasta 17. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Ramscappelle Road Military Cemetery, Belgium.


David Guy Davies, MC, Captain, King's Royal Rifle Corps. David was commissioned into the King's Royal Rifle Corps, and served with their 10th Battalion, which was attached to 59 Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. On 26 July 1915 the Division completed concentration in the Saint-Omer area, and moved to the Fleurbaix Sector for trench familiarisation and training. When the Battle of Loos was launched on 25 September 1915 the Division fought a diversionary attack towards Fromelles. Later that year they moved north, and fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel alongside the Canadian Corps. They then fought through the Somme Offensive, at the Battles of Delville Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy, and took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917. David was wounded on the Somme, then promoted Captain before being awarded the Military Cross. He was killed in action during an attack on Metz-en-Couture on 4 April 1917, and is buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France.


David John Davies, Private, 49411, South Wales Borderers. David was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the army. He was posted to France late in 1916, where he joined the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion was attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and had recently moved to Boesinghe after the capture Mametz Wood. During July and August 1917 the Division fought at Pilckem and Langemarck, before spending the winter around Armentieres. In April 1918 the Division moved back to the Somme, and from 21 August 1918 took part in the great 100 days offensive, driving the Germans back off the old Somme Battlefields towards the Hindenburg Line. David was killed during the Battle of Epehy, on 19 September 1918. He is buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France.


David Stanley Davies, Private, 126137, Machine Gun Corps. David was born at Carmarthen, but resided at Llanelli prior to the war. He originally served with the 4th Welsh before being posted to the 50th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 50th (Northumbrian) Division. It moved to France 16 April 1915, and took part in the Second Battle of Ypres from April to June 1915. During the summer of 1916 the Division fought on the Somme. After spending a winter on the Somme, they took part in the Arras Offensive of April 1917, before being sent north to Ypres, were they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele, and remained here for the winter. During March 1918 they were stationed near St. Quentin, and were hit here by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918. After suffering terrible casualties, the Division moved north to Flanders to rest and rebuild, but in April the Germans launched an attack in Flanders, around the Lys, and the Division took part in heavy fighting again. The Division was withdrawn and sent to the Aisne, believed to be a much quieter area, but was hit hard by a surprise enemy attack, and took heavy casualties again. David was killed on the Aisne on 29 May 1918. He is buried at La Ville-Aux-Bois British Cemetery, France.


David T Davies, Private, 315120, Tank Corps. David served during the war with the Tank Corps. After the armistice he remained with the Tank Corps Training School in France. David died of influenza on 24 November 1918, and is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France.


E. H. Davies, Sergeant, South Wales Borderers. This man cannot presently be identified.

Ernest Wilberforce Davies, Private, 49278, Royal Army Medical Corps. Ernest was the Son of Thomas Rhys Davies and Margaret Davies, of Compton House, Vaughan Street, Llanelli. Educated at Llandovery from 1909 to 1912, Ernest entered St. David's College, Lampeter, where he was studying at the time when he volunteered for military service, enlisting into the Royal Army Medical Corps at Llanelli. Ernest sailed for the Mediterranean on 13 June 1915, and landed at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, in early August, in preparation for the attack on Sari Bair. His Field Ambulance Unit established a Dressing Station at the crossroads near Aghyl Dere, and in the battle which followed, Ernest Davies died of wounds on 13 August 1915. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on a Special Memorial at the 7th Field Ambulance Cemetery, Gallipoli.


Evan Davies, Private, 202823, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Evan was the Son of David and Mary Davies, of Rhoslwyn, Bridge Street, Llanddewi Brefi, Cardiganshire. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the Welsh Regiment. He was later posted to France, where he joined the 2/4th Battalion, Ox and Bucks Light Infantry, which was attached to 184 Brigade, 61st (2nd South Midland) Division. The Division moved to the Western Front in May 1916, and took part in the disastrous assault on Fromelles on 19 July 1916. In March 1917 the Division followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg , and later that year fought at the Battle of Langemarck. The Division then moved south, and took part in the Battle of Cambrai. During March 1918 the Division was in the front line near Ham when it was hit by the German offensive of 21 March 1918. Evan was killed a day later, on 22 March 1918. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Ham British Cemetery, Muille-Villette, France.


Evan Idwal Davies, Private, 57545, Welsh Regiment. Evan was the Son of George and Elizabeth Davies, of 43, Brynmor Road, Llanelli. He enlisted into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 7 March 1917, and was posted to France on 11 April 1918, and he joined the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment in June 1918. The battalion had been formed in March 1917 from the merging of the Pembroke and Glamorgan Yeomanry, becoming attached to 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division, and had fought in Palestine until moving to France in May 1918. Evan was killed during the Battle of Epehy, on 21 September 1918, aged just 19. His grave was never located, so Evan is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France. A Gunner Lee wrote to George and Elizabeth just after the war to say that he had seen Evan's body lying in a shell hole, along with another Welshman.


Evan John Davies, Private, 4162, Welsh Regiment. Evan was the Son of David and Emma Davies, of 12, Caroline Street, Llanelli. He resided at Pontyberem prior to the war, and served with the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. Evan was killed here on 16 August 1915, aged 19. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Evan John Davies, Private, 20739, Welsh Regiment. Evan was from Austin Cottage, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as the Carmarthen Pals battalion, attached to 114 Brigade, 38thg (Welsh) Division. On 2 December 1915 the battalion moved to France, and the entire Division moved to the Fleurbaix sector, where it was initiated into trench warfare. During June 1916 the Division marched south to the Somme, and on 7 July 1916 attacked Mametz Wood. The initial attack failed, and it was three days later, on 10 July, that a fresh attack was mounted. Evan was killed in the wood on 10 July 1916. He was just 17 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


Evan Samuel Davies, Gunner, 141082, Royal Garrison Artillery. Evan was the Son of Mr. Evan Davies, of 7, Delabecke Street, Llanelli.  Evan worked as a shell filler in a munitions works prior to enlisting into the Royal Garrison Artillery in March 1917, and was posted to France where he joined their 101st Siege Battery on 29 June 1917. Evan was wounded during the German offensive on the Lys, and died at 15 Casualty Clearing Station on 26 April 1918. He is buried at Ebblinghem Military Cemetery, France.


Frangcon Davies, Private, 41975, Welsh Regiment. Frangcon was the Son of William Davies, of Gwymbyrhaul, Beulah, Garth, Breconshire. He had resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the army. Frangcon was posted to the 23rd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Pioneer Battalion to the 28th Division. The Division moved to France during January 1915, and saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. It fought at Loos in September that year, before entraining for Marseilles, where it sailed for Salonika. Frangcon was wounded at Salonika, and died on 5 October 1916. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Lahana Military Cemetery, Greece.


Frederick William Davies, Sergeant, 63129, Welsh Regiment. Frederick was the Son of William and Hannah Davies, of 15, Bury Street, Seaside, Llanelli. He worked as a Tinplater prior to enlisting into the 4th Welsh at the outbreak of war. Frederick served at Gallipoli with the 1/4th Welsh, before transferring to the 11th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was in Salonika attached to 67 Brigade, 22nd Division. Frederick was killed during the Battle of Doiran on 18 September 1918. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Doiran Military Cemetery, Greece.


Frederick William Davies, Private, 11641, Welsh Regiment. Frederick was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion was the Pioneer battalion to the 13th (Western) Division, which sailed for the Mediterranean on 13 June 1915. Between 6 and 16 July 1915 the Division landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove from 3 August 1915, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair, Russell's Top, and Hill 60, ANZAC. Frederick was wounded at Gallipoli, and evacuated to Egypt for treatment. He died of his wounds on 13 September 1915, and is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military & War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

Griffith Davies, Private, 64841, Welsh Regiment. Griffith was the Son of William Griffith Davies and Catherine Davies, of Glandulyn, Abersoch, Carnarvonshire. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the army. Griffith was posted to the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was in France attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. Griffith probably joined the battalion after it had taken part in the Third Battle of Ypres late in 1917. In 1918 they were caught up in the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties, and fought at the Battle of Bapaume. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines, and at Bailleul, and Kemmel. After suffering terribly again, they moved South to the quieter French sector to rebuild, but were caught up in the German offensive on the Aisne, and saw heavy fighting again. Griffith was taken prisoner by the Germans at some stage, and brought to a POW Camp in Germany, where he died, aged 30, on 28 September 1918. Griffith is buried at Niederzwehren Cemetery, Germany.

Gwilym Davies, Driver, 3203, Royal Field Artillery. Gwilym was the Son of Jared and Catherine Davies, of 25, Union Buildings, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to France with A Battery, 63rd Brigade, RFA, which was attached to the 12th (Eastern) Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on 31 May 1915, and took over the line at Ploegsteert Wood. They then moved south and fought in the Battle of Loos, and the subsequent actions of the Hohenzollern Redoubt, and remained there until March 1916. By June they were in position at the Somme, and attacked Ovillers on 2 July. They fought at Pozières and Le Transloy before being moved to the Arras area during October, 1916, where they fought in the March 1917 Battle of Arras, taking part in the First Battle of the Scarpe, and the Battle of Arleux. Gwilym died during the Battle of Arleux, on 13 May 1917. He is buried at Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, France.


Gwilym Arthur Davies, Private, 658, Welsh Guards. Gwilym was the Son of Arthur and Mary Davies, of Swansea Road, Llanelli. He had formerly served in the Grenadier Guards, before transferring to the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards upon its formation in 1915, and moved to France with in August 1915 where the Welsh Guards joined 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division. The new Division saw its first action at the Battle of Loos in September 1915, and fought in the area over the winter. It moved to the Somme in August 1916, and took part in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. Gwilym was killed here on 10 September 1916, aged 23. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


Henry Davies, Private, 27240, Welsh Regiment. Henry was born at Pyle, but resided at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted there into the army, and was posted to the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Pioneer battalion to the 13th (Western) Division. On 13 June 1915 the Division sailed for Alexandria, and moved to Mudros before being landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli from 6 July 1915, relieving the 29th Division. Henry was killed during the Battle of Sari Bair, on 8 August 1915. He is buried at The Farm Cemetery, Anzac, Gallipoli.


Herbert Edward Davies, Sergeant, 12006, South Wales Borderers. Herbert was the Husband of Lily Davies, of 4, Dulas Terrace, Hay, Herefordshire. He enlisted at Hereford into the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which moved to France at the outbreak of war attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had fought in the retreat from Mons to the Marne, before moving to Ypres, where it helped stem the German drive to the Channel Ports. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers and the Battle of Loos. In 1916 it fought at the Somme Offensive, and followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917. It held the line on the Flanders Coast during the summer of 1917, before being moved back to Ypres. Herbert was killed there, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele, on 10 November 1917. He was 32 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.


Howell John Davies, MM, Private, 14222, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Howell was the Son of John and Elizabeth Davies, of 3, Russell Street, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which moved to France in July 1915 attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division saw its first action at Loos in September, and the following year fought on the Somme. In 1917 it fought at Messines, and at Third Ypres, and was back on the Somme early in 1918. They were caught up in the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918 near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines, and at Bailleul, and Kemmel. After suffering terribly again, they moved south to the quieter French sector to rebuild, but were caught up in the German offensive on the Aisne, and fought during the Battle of the Selle. Howell was wounded here, and died, aged 26, on 4 October 1918. He is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery, France. Howell was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field just prior to his death.


Hubert Davies, Private, 316108, Cheshire Regiment. Hubert was the Son of Henry and Rachel Davies, of 17, Gilbert Place, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the army, and was posted to the 16th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, which was in France attached to 105 Brigade, 35th Division. The Division moved to France during February 1916, and saw its first major action during the Battle of the Somme. The Division then followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917. Later in the year they moved north to Ypres, and fought at the Battle of Passchendaele. Hubert was killed here on 22 October 1917. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.


J. R. Davies, Corporal, Welsh Regiment. This man cannot presently be identified.

Jack Davies, Private, 203011, South Lancashire Regiment. Jack was the Son of Daniel and Anne Davies, of Myrtle Hill Dairy, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the army, and was posted to the 1/4th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, which was the Pioneer battalion to the 55th (West Lancashire) Division. The Division was formed in France during January 1916, and relieved the French 88th Division south of Arras. Relieved on 25 July, the Division moved south and took up a place in the front line opposite the village of Guillemont, fighting in the Somme offensive. Relieved on 28 September, the Division withdrew, before relieving the 29th Division at Ypres in October 1916. It remained in the Railway wood sector until taking part in the Third Battle of Ypres. Jack was killed on 6 November 1917 during the Second Battle of Passchendaele. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Poelcapelle British Cemetery, Belgium.


James Davies, MM, Lance Corporal, Deal/3477/S, Royal Marines. James was the Husband of Elizabeth Davies, of Glyncelyn, Felinfoel. He served with the Royal Marines, attached to the RM Medical Unit, Royal Naval Division. The Naval Brigades were originally sent to Antwerp and Dunkirk in September and October 1914, but Antwerp fell to the Germans soon after, and the RND units were withdrawn to England. The Division moved to Egypt preparatory to the Gallipoli campaign, and landed on 25 April 1915. The Division moved to France, arriving at Marseilles during May 1916, and moved to positions on the Somme, where it was transferred from the authority of the Admiralty to the War Office on 29 April 1916, and was re-designated the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division on 19 July 1916. It took part in the Battle of the Ancre. In April 1917 the Division fought at the Battle of Arras, before moving north to Ypres, where they took part in the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Their next major action was at Cambrai, during the Action of Welch Ridge, and they were still in the area when the Germans launched their Spring Offensive. In August 1918, the Division took part in the Battle of Albert, which marked the beginning of the great offensive which was to end the war. James sadly died of the influenza epidemic that swept through Europe at the end of the war, on 20 November 1918. He was 32 years old, and is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France. He had been awarded the Military Medal at some time during the war, for Bravery on the Field.


John Albert Davies, Air Mechanic 3rd Class, 215108, Royal Air Force. John was born at Llanelli on 23 October 1892, the Son of Richard and Zillah Davies. The family later moved to Kent, where they took over the Mitre Hotel, Gravesend. John had served as an Air Mechanic with the Royal Naval Air Service, and when the RNAS was merged with the RFC to create the Royal Air Force, joined 66th Wing, RAF, which was in Italy. John became ill, and died of pneumonia on 1 December 1918. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Taranto Town Cemetery Extension, Italy.

John Edgar Davies, Private, 15250, Connaught Rangers. John was the Son of William and Margaret Davies, of 5, Pennant Terrace, Llanelli. He enlisted at Marylebone into the Wiltshire Regiment, but was later posted to the 5th Battalion, Connaught Rangers, which was attached to 197 Brigade, 66th (2nd East Lancs) Division. The Division concentrated on the Western Front in March 1917 and moved to the Flanders Coast. At the end of September 1917 they moved to Ypres, and took part in the Battle of Poelcapelle. They then moved south to the Somme, and on 21 March 1918 were hit by the German Spring Offensive at the Battle of St Quentin, and moving back west fought at the Actions at the Somme Crossings, and the Battle of Rosieres. After suffering very heavy casualties during the Battles of the Somme in 1918, the Division was first reduced to a training cadre and then reformed and reconstituted, before taking part in the final offensive, fighting at the Battle of Cambrai, and the Pursuit to the Selle and the Battle of the Selle. John was wounded during the final days of the war, and died on 8 November 1918, aged 22. He is buried at Pont-Sur-Sambre Communal Cemetery, France. John does not look to be commemorated at Llanelli.

 

 

John Lewis Davies, Stoker 1st Class, SS/105269, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Husband of Maggie Davies, of 1, Pemberton Street, Llanelli. He was a Royal Naval Reservist at the outbreak of war, and was called up, joining Nelson Battalion, Royal Naval Division. The Naval Brigades were originally sent to Antwerp and Dunkirk in September and October 1914 to guard against invasion by the Germans. However Antwerp fell to the Germans soon after, and so many of the RND units were withdrawn to England. After a lengthy period of refit and training the Division moved to Egypt preparatory to the Gallipoli campaign. Landing on 25 April 1915, the Division fought throughout the Campaign on Gallipoli. John was killed during the Third Battle of Krithia, on 6 June 1915. He was 27 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

 

John Rees Davies, Private, 10111, South Wales Borderers. John was the Son of Mr and Mrs William Davies, of 28, Mill Lane, Llanelli. He had enlisted around 1908 into the South Wales Borderers, and was with the 2nd Battalion at the outbreak of war. The battalion fought an action against a German garrison at Tientsin, China, before returning to England, where it joined 87 Brigade, 29th Division. The Division moved to Gallipoli via Egypt, landing on 25 April 1915. John was killed during the Second Battle of Krithia on 8 May 1915. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Philip Davies, Private, 182, Welsh Horse. Philip was the Son of Mary Davies, of 32, Wern Road, Llanelli. He had served for seven years with Royal Engineers previous to 1914, when he enlisted into the Welsh Horse Yeomanry, which formed in August 1914, joining the 1st Eastern Mounted Brigade. On 25 September 1915 the Welsh Horse was dismounted and the 1/1st Battalion sailed from Liverpool on SS Olympic for service at Gallipoli, landing at Anzac Cove on 10 October 1915. On 20 November 1915, Philip was one of a section of Welsh Horsemen working in a tunnel beneath the Turkish lines when the Turks blew a large mine, collapsing the workings. Philip was one of eight men buried when the mine blew that day. He was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.


Philip Brynmor Davies, Private, 22836, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Philip was the Son of Richard and Catherine Davies, of The Emporium, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 15th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. On 2 December 1915 the battalion moved to France, and the entire Division moved to the Fleurbaix sector, where it was initiated into trench warfare. During June 1916 the Division marched south to the Somme, and on 7 July 1916 attacked Mametz Wood. The initial attack failed, and it was three days later, on 10 July, that a fresh attack was mounted. Philip was killed on 10 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


R. G. Davies, Private, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. This man cannot presently be identified.

Richard Francis Davies, Private, 14139, South Wales Borderers. Richard was the Son of Mrs. Mary A. Davies, of 10, Downing Street, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France during July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. The following year the Division moved to the Somme, where it took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost. It then fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. In 1917 the Division moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were caught up in the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties, and fought at the Battle of Bapaume. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines, and it was here that Richard was killed on 12 April 1918. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Wulvergem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium.


Robert Davies, Private, 14142, South Wales Borderers. Robert was the Son of William and Catherine Davies, of 38, Island Place, Llanelli. Bob was a well known Llanelli rugby player, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division, and landed at Gallipoli from 6 July 1915, at Cape Helles, relieving the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between 3 and 5 August, 1915, taking part in the Battle of Sari Bair. Robert was killed here on 13 August 1915. He was 32 years old, and is buried at Hill 60 Cemetery, Gallipoli.


Robert Davies, Private, 62306, Welsh Regiment. Robert was the Son of James and Elizabeth Davies, of Westbourne Cottage, Tenby. He was a Porter with the Great Western Railway prior to the war, and lived at Tyasha Road, Llanelli. He enlisted there on 12 December 1915 into the 4th Welsh, and was sent to France on 15 March 1918 where he joined the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Carmarthen Pals battalion, attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. Robert would have joined the battalion just before it moved to the Somme in April 1918, and took part in the great offensive on the Somme from 21 August 1918. Robert was killed during the Battle of Cambrai on 8 October 1918, aged 25. He is buried at Moulin-De-Pierre British Cemetery, France.


Robert Clifford Davies, Lance Corporal, 267414, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Robert was the Son of David and Ann Davies, of 8, Ralph Terrace, Llanelly. He had served with the 4th Welsh from September 1914, with the regimental number 5338, before being transferred to the 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Robert was posted as missing in action during the Battle of Fromelles on 19 July 1916. He was later found by a military enquiry to have been killed. Robert was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France. He is possibly one of the men recently discovered in a mass grave at Fromelles.

 

Robert Thomas Davies, Private, 24979, Grenadier Guards. Robert was the Son of Robert and Annie Davies, of Pont Garrig, Llandyrnog, Denbigh. He possibly resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted at London into the 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards. The battalion moved to France attached to the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division, and saw its first action at the Battle of Loos in September 1915. In July 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs Village. Robert was wounded here, and died on 22 October 1916. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, France.


S. Davies, Corporal, Welsh Regiment. This man cannot presently be identified.

Samuel Davies, Gunner, 94468, Royal Garrison Artillery. Samuel was the Son of Mary Davies, of Wood Street, Lanesfield, Bilston. He lived with his wife, Blanche Davies, at Stafford Street, Llanelli. He served with the 170th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, and was killed in action during the Third Battle of the Scarpe, on 13 May 1917. Samuel is buried at Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, France.

Stanley Davies, Seaman, Z/1679, Royal Naval Reserve. Stanley was born on 21 January 1892, and was the Husband of Minnie Davies, Sunny Cottage, Gowerton. He was a Tinworker at Llanelli prior to enlisting on 26 July 1915 into the Royal Naval Reserve, and was posted to the Mediterranean on 5 December 1915, joining Howe Battalion, RND. On 10 January 1916 he was posted to Anson Battalion, which was attached to 189 Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, and fought on the Somme with the Division later that year. In April 1917 the Division was at Arras, and fought at the Second Battle of the Scarpe, where they captured Gavrelle. They then fought at the Battle of Arleux, before moving north to Ypres, where they took part in the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Their next major action was at Cambrai, during the Action of Welch Ridge, and they were still in the area when the Germans launched their Spring Offensive, and fought at the Battle of St Quentin, and then the First Battle of Bapaume. Stanley was shot in the head on 7 April 1918, and died of wounds in the 20th General Hospital on 10 April 1918. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France.


T. Davies, Private, Brecknocks. This man cannot presently be identified.

T. Davies, Sapper, Royal Engineers. This man cannot presently be identified.

Thomas Davies, Private, 260430, Gloucestershire Regiment. Thomas was the Husband of Elizabeth M. Davies, of 43, Mansel Street, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the army, and was posted to the 1/6th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. The battalion had served in France and Italy with the 48th (South Midland) Division, and returned to France, where it joined 75 Brigade, 25th Division. Thomas was killed soon after, during the Battle of Albert, on 25 August 1918. He was 31 years old, and is buried at Gommecourt Wood New Cemetery, Fonquevillers, France.


Thomas Davies, Private, 12159, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of David and Esther Davies, of 4, Thomas Terrace, Pwll, Llanelli. He enlisted there into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Pioneer battalion to the 13th (Western) Division. On 13 June 1915 the Division sailed for Alexandria, and moved to Mudros before being landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli from 6 July 1915, relieving the 29th Division. Thomas was killed here during the Battle of Sari Bair, on 8 August 1915. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Thomas Davies, Private, Y/1871, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Thomas was the son of Rees Davies, of 62, Brynmor Road, Llanelli. He enlisted in September 1914 into the 5th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps, and then transferred to their 11th Battalion, which was attached to 59 Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. The Division fought a diversionary attack at Fromelles on 25 September 1915. Later that year they moved north, and fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel alongside the Canadian Corps. They then fought through the Somme Offensive, and took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917. Later that year they fought at Third Ypres, before moving south in November, to take part in the Battle of Cambrai. Thomas was wounded and taken prisoner during the Battle of Cambrai on 30 November 1917. He died in a German Hospital on 7 December 1917, aged 30, and is buried at Caudry British Cemetery, France.


Thomas Davies, Private, 185, Welsh Guards. Thomas was the Son of David and Margaret Jane Davies, of 8, Victoria Terrace, Sea Side, Llanelli. He was serving with the Grenadier Guards at the outbreak of war, before being one of several hundred men transferred to the newly formed Welsh Guards on 25 February 1915. The battalion moved to France in July 1915 attached to the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division, and saw their first action during the Battle of Loos in September. Thomas was wounded during a short spell at Ypres in June 1916, and died on 3 July 1916, aged 22. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.


Thomas Dixon Davies, Sergeant, 3336, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of James and Elizabeth Davies, of Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair. Thomas was wounded at Gallipoli, and evacuated to Hospital at Malta, where he died on 6 October 1915, aged 41. Thomas is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.


Thomas James Davies, Private, 1149, Welsh Guards. Thomas was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The battalion moved to France in July 1915 attached to the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division, and saw their first action during the Battle of Loos in September. In July 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. Thomas was killed here on 10 September 1916. He is buried at Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, France.


Thomas John Davies, Corporal, 21074, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Llandewi Brefi, and resided at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted there into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as the Carmarthen Pals battalion, attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. On 2 December 1915 the battalion moved to France, and the entire Division moved to the Fleurbaix sector, where it was initiated into trench warfare. During June 1916 the Division marched south to the Somme, and on 7 July 1916 attacked Mametz Wood. The initial attack failed, and it was three days later, on 10 July, that a fresh attack was mounted. After two days of heavy hand to hand fighting within the wood, the Germans withdrew, leaving Mametz Wood in British hands. Thomas was killed in the wood on 11 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


Thomas John Davies, Sapper, 448405, Royal Engineers. Thomas was born in Llanelli, and enlisted there into the Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. The company served at Gallipoli with the 53rd (Welsh) Division, before the division moved to Egypt, where the Welsh Field Company was renamed the 437th Field Company, RE, taking part in the advance into Palestine. Thomas became ill and died during the Final Offensive beyond the Jordan, on 23 October 1918. Thomas is buried at Gaza War Cemetery, Israel.

W. Davies, Private, Welsh Regiment. This man cannot presently be identified.

William Davies, Private, 18994, Royal Berkshire Regiment. William was born at Llanelli, and lived with his wife, Mary Davies, at Llwynypia at the outbreak of war. He enlisted at Tonypandy into the army, and was posted to the 8th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, which landed in France on 8 August 1915, becoming attached to 1 Brigade, 1st Division. The battalion saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos the following month. In 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, and it was during the Battle of Guillemont that William was killed on 18 August 1916. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


William Davies, Private, 16412, South Wales Borderers. William was the Brother of Mrs. David Fisher, of 28, Mill Lane, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was the Pioneer Battalion to the 25th Division. The Division landed in France on 26 September 1915, and was posted to the Vimy area. They then moved to the Somme, and attacked on 3 July near Thiepval. They fought throughout the Battle of the Somme, and then moved to Ploegsteert, where they held the line for the months leading up the Battle of Messines in June 1917. After fighting at Messines, the Division moved north, and fought at Pilckem, before moving south again, where they took up positions around Bullecourt in reserve. William was wounded here, and died on 25 January 1918. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Grevillers British Cemetery, Bapaume, France.


William David Davies, Private, 52657, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Mary and the late John Davies, of Greencastle, Llanstephan Road, Carmarthen. He enlisted at Cardiff into the Welsh Regiment, and was posted to France, where he joined the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. William probably joined the battalion after the Somme battles of 1916. In 1917 the Division moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were caught up in the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties, and fought at the Battle of Bapaume. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines, and fought a terrible rearguard action over the coming days. William was wounded around this time, and died on 25 April 1918, aged 21. He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France.


William Edwin Davies, Private, 28997, South Wales Borderers. William was the Son of David Lloyd Davies, and Mary Ellen Davies, of 14 Pottery Road, Llanelli. He enlisted at Brecon into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 87 Brigade, 29th Division. William joined the Division in France, where it was stationed near Beaumont Hamel. The Division took part in its first major action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, and fought at the Battles of Albert and Le Transloy, suffering heavy casualties. In the spring of 1917 they fought at the Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive, and then moved further north to Ypres. Here they fought at the Battle of Langemarck, and then at the Battles of the Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde and Poelcappelle, before moving to Cambrai. Here they fought at the Battle of Cambrai. William was killed here on 3 December 1917. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France. Many thanks to Mervyn Lewis for the photograph of William.


William Henry Davies, Private, 17991, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Mrs. S. Davies, & Garden Village, Gorseinon. He enlisted at Swansea into the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which moved to France in December 1915 attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The entire Division moved to the Fleurbaix sector, where it was initiated into trench warfare. During June 1916 the Division marched south to the Somme, and on 7 July 1916 attacked Mametz Wood. The initial attack failed, and it was three days later, on 10 July, that a fresh attack was mounted. William was killed in the wood on 10 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


William Howard Davies, Private, 116422, Machine Gun Corps. William was born at Llanelli. He enlisted at Pembrey into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, but was later posted to the 21st Company, Machine Gun Corps which was attached to the 30th Division. William may have just caught up with the Division to serve in the Somme Offensive, and in March 1917 the Division followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. It was here that they took part in the Battles of Arras, fighting at the Scarpe, before they moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at Pilckem Ridge, before moving south again to the St. Quentin sector. They were here in March 1918 when the German Spring Offensive swept over the area, and William was taken prisoner by the Germans. Sadly he had been wounded when he was captured, and he died of Wounds on 15 October 1918 as a POW. William was 35 years old, and is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany. Photograph courtesy of Michael Bloy.

William Llewellyn Davies, Private, 12792, South Wales Borderers. William was the Son of James and Frances Davies, of 2, Caroline Street, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli on 20 August 1914 into the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. On 13 June 1915 the Division sailed for Alexandria. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, from 6 July 1915, relieving the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between 3 and 5 August, 1915, taking part in the Battle of Sari Bair. William was wounded here, and taken aboard a Hospital Ship, where he died on 10 August 1915, aged 24. William was buried at sea, so is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.


William Rhys Davies, Private, 64098, Machine Gun Corps. William was the Son of H. and Jane Davies, of 1, Palace Avenue, Llanelli. He originally served with the Welsh Regiment, but was transferred into the 61st Company, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 20th (Light) Division. He probably joined the Division on the Somme, where it took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917. Later that year they fought at Third Ypres, at the Battles of Langemarck, the Menin Road, and Polygon Wood, before moving south in November, to take part in the Battle of Cambrai. William was killed at Cambrai on 30 November 1917. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.


Henry Ernest Davis, Private, 60708, Welsh Regiment. Henry was the Son of Francis Thomas and Bessie Davis, of Pretoria House, Brynallt Terrace, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 4th Welsh, and was posted to France in March 1918, where he joined the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. Henry would have joined the battalion just before it moved to the Somme in April 1918, and took part in the great offensive on the Somme from 21 August 1918. He was killed during the Battle of Cambrai, on 8 October 1918, aged 20. Henry is buried at Bois-Des-Angles British Cemetery, Crevecouer-Sur-L'Escaut, France.


Sidney Charles Davis, Stoker, 3791S, Royal Navy. Sidney was the Son of Caroline Davis, of 10, Thompson St., Stockton-on-Tees. He resided at Mansel Street, Llanelli prior to the war, and served with the Royal Navy, aboard HMS Defence. Defence was a Minotaur class armoured cruiser, and was stationed in the Mediterranean at the outbreak of war, taking part in the pursuit of the German battlecruiser SMS Goeben and light cruiser SMS Breslau. Defence then transferred to the Grand Fleet in January 1915 and remained there for the rest of her career. Sidney was killed when Defence was sunk on 31 May 1916, during the Battle of Jutland, after being struck by two salvoes from German ships that detonated her rear magazine, which exploded, sinking her with no survivors. Sidney was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

William Gilbert Daw, Private, 6516, Honourable Artillery Company. William was the Son of William and Elizabeth Agnes Daw, of Llanelli. He enlisted in December 1915 into the 5th Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company. On 18 November 1916 he was posted to the 2/1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company, which was attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. In March 1917 the Division followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. Later in the year the Division took part in the Third Battle of Ypres, suffering significant losses during the fighting for Polygon Wood. Immediately on their relief, the Division was moved to Italy. William was shot in the knee, and captured by the Austrians on 29 June 1917, during the Battle of The Piave River. He died of his wounds on 13 July 1917, aged 27, and was buried at Magnaboschi Military Cemetery, Italy by the Austrian Chaplain Franz Kokol.

 

Albert Edward Dawson, Private, 42715, Labour Corps. Albert was born at Llanelli, and had enlisted at Cardiff into the army. He served on the Western Front with the 7th Labour Company, King's Liverpool Regiment, and was killed in action during the First Battle of Passchendaele, on 24 October 1917. He is buried at Duhallow A. D. S. Cemetery, Belgium.


Edwin James Day, Private, 39470, Welsh Regiment. Edwin was born at Swindon, and resided at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted there into the army, and was posted to France, where he joined the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 1 Brigade, 1st Division. Edwin would have fought with the Division at the Battle of Loos in September 1915. The following year the Division moved south, and took part in the Somme offensive. Edwin was killed here during the Battle of Pozières, on 25 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


William John Delaney, Private, 22899, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Mathew Delaney, of 6, Campbell Street, New Dock, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France during July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. William was killed in action during the charge of the 9th Welsh near Givenchy that day. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.


Harry Skeel Duncan Dempster, Lance Corporal, R/6328, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Harry was the Son of Robert and Margaret Dempster, of Wiston, and the brother of Robert. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 7th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps, which was attached to 41 Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. The Division was to see it's first action during the Action of Hooge, where the Division were the first to be attacked by the German use of flamethrowers. Harry was one of the many men of the Battalion to have been hit by this new, vicious form of warfare at Hooge, and he was evacuated for treatment to the Base Hospital at Etaples, where he died of his wounds on 2 August 1915. Harry was 27 years old, and is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France. Harry is also commemorated on the Clarbeston Road War Memorial.


Hubert Gilmore Dewsberry, Lance Corporal, 200356, Welsh Regiment. Hubert was the Son of Robert and Lizzie Dewsberry, of Hendre, Box, Llanelli. He resided in Ammanford prior to the war, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/5th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July 1915 arriving at Mudros by 5 August 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on 9 August, and were immediately thrown into action, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On 11 December 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by 23 December 1915 were moved to Egypt. They remained on the Suez Canal Defences for the next twelve months, and in early 1917 moved into Palestine, where they remained for the duration of the war, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and successfully capturing Jerusalem. Hubert was wounded during the Second Battle of Gaza, and died of wounds on 28 April 1917 aged just 19. He is buried at Deir El Belah War Cemetery. He is also remembered on his parent's gravestone at Box, Llanelli.

George William Dobson, Private, G/7643, Middlesex Regiment. George was the Son of George and Annie Dobson, of 81, Hartland Rd., Kentish Town, London. His wife Annie Edith Dobson had died in 1904, aged 24 [possibly in childbirth], and George moved to Llanelli at some time after, enlisting there into the army. He was posted to France with the 3rd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which was attached to 85 Brigade, 28th Division. On 19 January 1915 the battalion landed at Le Havre and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. Later that year the Division took part in the Battle of Loos, and it was here, on 29 September 1915 that George was killed. He was 33 years old, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.


Richard Donoghue, Private, 291761, Welsh Regiment. Richard was the Son of Richard and Mary Ellen Donoghue, of 7, Bevan Rd., Plumstead, London. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted at Cardiff into the Welsh Regiment. During the summer of 1918 Richard was sent to France, where he joined the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Pembroke and Glamorgan Yeomanry battalion, attached to 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. The Division had formed in Egypt in January 1917 and had fought through the Palestinian Campaign, at the Battles of Gaza and the Battle and capture of Jerusalem. Due to the terrible casualties suffered by the British on the Western Front in March and April 1918 the Division was recalled to the Western Front, and arrived at Marseilles during May 1918. They then fought at the Second Battle of Bapaume during the great offensive, and fought in Flanders before returning to the Somme and fighting at the Battle of Épehy, as part of the offensive towards the Hindenburg Line. Richard was wounded during the Battle of Épehy, and died on 23 September 1918. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Doingt Communal Cemetery Extension, France.


George Duckett, Private, 11952, Welsh Regiment. George was the Son of George and Selina Duckett, of 64, Rosebery Avenue, East Ham, London. He probably worked at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted under the name of George Morris at Llanelli, into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion moved to France after the outbreak of war attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, and took part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne, before moving to positions at Gheluveldt, near Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos. Again they were required for a major offensive, and fought throughout the Somme Offensive. They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were then briefed for an operation on the Flanders Coast, and moved there during the summer of 1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. George was killed here on 8 November 1917. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.


Frank Edmunds, Sapper, 448148, Royal Engineers. Frank was born in Merthyr, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. He served with the Company, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division, at Gallipoli, before the entire Division was withdrawn to Egypt. Frank was then posted to the 455th Field Company, and was wounded during Operations in Palestine. He died of wounds on 12 August 1917 and is buried at Deir El Belah War Cemetery, Egypt.

Albert Llewellyn Edwards, Private, 39318, Essex Regiment. Albert was the Son of Joseph and Jemima Edwards, of 110, Station Road, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the army, and was posted to the 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment, which was attached to 112 Brigade, 37th Division on 4 February 1918, after having spent most of the war with the 29th Division. During March 1918 the Division was at the Somme, and fought during the German Offensive, at the Battle of Albert. Albert was killed here on 23 August 1918. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Fillievres British Cemetery, France.


Alfred Edwards, Private, 102001, Machine Gun Corps. Alfred was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the Welsh Regiment. He was then transferred into the 5th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 5th Division. The Division had taken part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne at the outbreak of war, and had fought at every major battle which followed. On 21 August 1918 the Division took part in the great offensive across the old Somme battlefields, and it was on this opening day of the attack that Alfred was killed, on 21 August 1918. He is buried at Adanac Military Cemetery, Miraumont, France.


David James Edwards, Private, 1514, Welsh Guards. David was born at Llanelli, and served as a Policeman at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted in May 1915 into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which moved to France in July 1915, joining the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. The Division saw its first action at the Battle of Loos. David was killed here on 27 September 1915. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.


Thomas Edwards, Private, 12776, South Wales Borderers. Thomas was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division, which landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli from 6 July 1915, relieving the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between 3 and 5 August, 1915, taking part in the Battle of Sari Bair. Thomas was killed here on 10 August 1915. He is buried at No. 2 Outpost Cemetery, Gallipoli.


William Edwards, Private, 5484, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was the Son of John and Margaret Edwards of Carmarthen. He had resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The battalion moved to France at the outbreak of war, where it joined 19 Brigade, an independent unit, and took part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne. The Brigade was used to fill holes during its time at war. In the spring of 1916 the 2nd RWF were stationed in the Givenchy sector, an area renowned for its mining activities. On 22 June 1916 the Germans exploded a massive mine beneath the 2nd RWF positions at the Duck's Bill, almost wiping out half the battalion. William was one of the men lost that day. He was 39 years old, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.


Thomas Ellery, Private, 345507, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Kathleen Ellery, of 6, Ropewalk Road, Llanelli. He enlisted vat Llanelli into the army, and was posted to the Middle East, where he joined the 24th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The battalion was attached to 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division, and took part in the advance into Palestine from April 1917. Thomas was killed during the Third Battle of Gaza, on 31 October 1917. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel. Thomas must have served in Mesopotamia prior to joining the 25th RWF, as he was awarded the Indian Royal Humane Society Medal for life saving while on the Tigris River.


Llewellyn Benjamin Elsmere, Private, 30455, Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. Llewellyn was the Son of Benjamin J. and Anne Elsmere, of Hill Park, Hendry Road, Llangennech, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the army. He was posted to the 1st Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, which was attached to 12 Brigade, 4th Division. The Division had been in France since the Battle of Le Cateau in August 1914, and had fought at every major battle thereafter. In the summer of 1917 the Division was at Ypres, where it took part in the Passchendaele Offensive. Llewellyn was killed in action during the Second Battle of Passchendaele on 3 November 1917. He was 31 years old, and is buried at Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, France.


Alfred Evans, Private, 12878, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Alfred was born at Trimsaran, and lived at Sandy Gate Terrace, Llanelli. He enlisted there into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division moved to France during July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. Alfred was killed during the attack near Givenchy that day. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.

 

Arthur Evans, Private, 156259, Machine Gun Corps. Arthur was the Son of James and Lucy Evans, of 68, Alban Road, Llanelli. He originally served with the South Wales Borderers, before being transferred into the 3rd Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 3rd Division. Arthur probably fought with the Division at Third Ypres in 1917. They were caught up in the German offensive on the Somme on 21 March 1918, and also fought during the Battle of the Lys. From 21 August 1918 the Division took part in the great advance on the Somme, and it was here, during the fighting around the Canal Du Nord, that Arthur was killed on 6 October 1918. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Ribecourt British Cemetery, France.


Claude Vincent Evans, Lance Corporal, 55702, Northumberland Fusiliers. Claude was born at Coleford, Gloucester, but resided in Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted there into the army, and was posted to the 11th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, who were attached to 68 Brigade, 23rd Division. The Division had been in France since August 1915, and saw their first major action at the Battle of the Somme. In May 1917 they took part in the Battle of Messines, before taking part in the Third Battle of Ypres. During October 1917 the Division moved to Italy, and remained here for the remainder of the war. Claude was killed in action during the Battle of The Piave River, on 15 June 1918. He is buried at Magnaboschi British Cemetery, Italy.

 

David R. Evans, Flight Cadet, Royal Air Force. Very little is known of David, except that he was a Flight Cadet with the Royal Air Force when he died, aged 19, on 17 December 1918. He is buried at Rhondda (Trealaw) Cemetery, Mid-Glamorgan.

David Evans, Gunner, 3907, Royal Field Artillery. David was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the army. He was posted to France with D Battery, 159th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which was attached to the 35th Division. The Division moved to France in late January 1916, and saw its first major action during the Battle of the Somme. The Division then followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917. Later in the year they moved north to Ypres, and fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. By spring of 1918 they were back on the Somme, and fought at the First Battle of Bapaume, during the German Offensive. David was killed on the Somme on 6 May 1918. He was buried at Varennes Military Cemetery, France.


David Evans, Private, 37705, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Llanelli, and resided at Ystradgynlais prior to the war. He enlisted at Brecon into the army, and was posted to the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division. The Division formed in England from December 1914, from regular units returning from service around the Empire. During January 1915 it moved to France, landing at Le Havre and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. The Division suffered heavy casualties here, and didn't see major action until the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. David was killed at Loos on 2 October 1915. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.


David Archibald Evans, Gunner, 1648, Royal Field Artillery. David was born at Llanelli in 1898. He enlisted there into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to France with 78th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which was attached to the 17th (Northern) Division. David was wounded during the Second Battle of Bapaume, and died on 3 September 1918. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Thilloy Road Cemetery, Beaulencourt, France.


David Dudley Evans, Sergeant, 13377, Royal Fusiliers. David was born at Llanelli, and married Minerva Eugenia Jenkins there in March 1901. He enlisted at Llanelli into the army, and was posted to East Africa with the 25th Battalion (Frontiersmen), Royal Fusiliers. They sailed on the SS Neuralia for Mombasa, and arrived on 6 May 1915. The battalion served here for the duration of the war, centred mostly around Lake Tanganyika, British East African and German East African territory. The battalion was largely composed of older men who hailed from diverse backgrounds and varied occupations, some of whom were Boer War veterans. David was killed here on 24 June 1916. He is buried at Dar Es Salaam War Cemetery, Tanzania.

David John Evans, Private, 8717, Welsh Regiment. David had enlisted into the Welsh Regiment during 1905. At the outbreak of war, he sailed for France with the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. He took part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne, and was wounded at Gheluveldt on 3 November 1914. David returned to action, and was killed in action on 4 May 1915 near Neuve Chapelle. David was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.


David Rees Evans, Private, 368284, Royal Army Medical Corps. David was the Second Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Vaughan Evans, Murray House, Llanelli. He served with the 2nd Lowland Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, which was attached to the 52nd (Lowland) Division. After being evacuated from Gallipoli early in 1916, by April 1916, the Division had moved to Egypt, where it again saw action. It moved into Palestine early in 1917, and took part in the Palestinian Offensive, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and taking part in the capture of Jerusalem. The Division received orders in March 1918 to proceed to the hard-pressed Western Front, where it then remained for the duration of the war. David was killed near Arras on 27 May 1918. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St-Eloi, France. His brother, Richard William Evans also fell.


Edgar Herbert Evans, Private, 197, Welsh Guards. Edgar was born at Penarth in 1885, and resided at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted there into the Grenadier Guards, before transferring to the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards upon their formation in February 1915. The battalion served throughout the war with the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. The Division, which was around Maubeuge at the Armistice, was ordered to the Rhine and crossed the frontier on 11 December 1918. Edgar was taken ill, and died in Germany on 22 February 1919. He was buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany. Photograph courtesy of Michael Bloy.

Edgar Prosser Evans, Private, 85951, Machine Gun Corps. Edgar was the Son of David and Mary Evans, of 17, Emma Street, Llanelli. He served with the Welsh Regiment, before being posted to the 107th Company, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 36th (Ulster) Division. Edgar probably served with the Division through the Battle of the Somme. They fought at the Battle of Messines the following year, before moving to Ypres, where they took part in the Battle of Langemarck. Edgar was killed here on 2 August 1917. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium.


Edward Evans, Private, 1659, Australian Imperial Force. Edward was born at Llanelli in March 1876, and had emigrated to Australia prior to the war, where he worked as a Bushman. He enlisted at Adelaide on 28 February 1916, and sailed for France with the 2nd reinforcements for the 48th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, which was attached to the 12th Australian Brigade, 3rd Australian Division. He landed at Etaples, France on 24 September 1916, and joined the battalion at Ypres a month later. On 15 October 1916, Edward was in the Poppy Lane trench, near Ridge Wood, when it was shelled by German trench mortars. Edward was one of three men killed during the bombardment. He was 39 years old, and is buried at Ridge Wood Military Cemetery, Belgium. His personal possessions were sent to his brother-in-Law of Herbert Hornsby, Sydney, NSW.

 

Evan John Evans, Stoker, 2901T, Royal Navy. Evan was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Evans, of New Dock, Llanelli, and the Husband of Catherine Ann Evans, of 7, Tin Works Row, New Dock, Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard HMS Vala, which was one of the famous 'Q Ships'. Evan was killed when Vala was sunk by the German submarine U-54 off Ireland on 21 August 1917. He was 33 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Frederick Evans, Private, 44943, South Wales Borderers. Frederick was the Son of Thomas and Letitia Evans, of 51, Walters Road, Llanelli.He enlisted at Llanelli into the army, and was posted to the 7th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 67 Brigade, 22nd Division. The Division crossed to France in early September 1915, but were then sent to Salonika the following month, where it remained for the remainder of the war. Frederick was killed during the Battle of Doiran on 26 May 1917. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece.


Haydn Stanley Evans, Private, 203096, Welsh Regiment. Haydn was born in Newcastle Emlyn, and lived in Llanelli prior to the war, with his wife Margaret Evans, of 22, Wellfield Terrace, Llanelli. He enlisted there into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division. The Division formed in England between December 1914 and January 1915 from regular units returning from India, Singapore and Egypt. During January 1915 it moved to France, landing at Le Havre and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. On 25 September 1915 the Division took part in the Battle of Loos. During October 1915, the Division embarked at Marseilles, and proceeded to Egypt, and in November moved on to Salonika where the Division then remained. Haydn was accidentally killed in Salonika on 22 May 1918. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Sarigol Military Cemetery, Kriston. He is also remembered on the grave of his wife, at Box Cemetery, Llanelli.


Joseph Evans, Private, L/15904, Middlesex Regiment. Joseph resided at Penygaer, Dafen, and enlisted there into the Royal Hussars. He later transferred into the 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which had landed at Havre as L. Of C. Troops on 11 August 1914. On 22 August, 1914 they were attached to 19th Brigade, forming at Valenciennes, and on 12 October moved with 19th Brigade, to the 6th Division. On 31 May 1915 they again moved, to the 27th Division, and by 19 August were with the 2nd Division at Loos. Here they took part in the opening assault of the Battle of Loos, near Cambrin, on 25 September 1915. Joseph was killed in action this day, and is buried at Cambrin Churchyard Extension, France.


Lewis George Evans, Driver, 448237, Royal Engineers. Lewis was the Son of David and Annie Evans, of 91, Llewellyn Street, Llanelli, and enlisted there into the Royal Engineers. Lewis ended up serving with the 436th Field Company, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division, and died of sickness during the Final Offensive beyond the Jordan on 17 October 1918, aged 26. Lewis is buried at Gaza War Cemetery, Israel.

M. Evans, Sapper, Royal Engineers. This man cannot presently be identified.

Richard William Evans, Sapper, Royal Engineers. Richard was the Eldest son of Mr & Mrs J. Vaughan Evans, Murray House, Llanelli. He served with a Territorial unit of the Royal Engineers, probably the Welsh Field Company, and died at home aged 24 on 1 February 1916. Richard is buried with his parents at Llanelli (Box) Cemetery. He is not commemorated by the CWGC. His younger brother, David Rees Evans also fell.

Rees Evans, Private, 45371, Welsh Regiment. Rees was born at Treforest. He possibly worked at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted at Porth into the army, and was posted to France, where joining the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. Rees probably joined the battalion late in 1915, when it was still in the Loos sector. During the summer of 1916 the Division moved south, to take part in the Somme offensive. Rees was killed here during the Battle of Guillemont, on 27 August 1916. He was 21 years old, and is buried at London Cemetery & Extension, Longueval, France. (His links with Llanelli are unclear, but he is the only man of that name who died with the Welsh).

 

 


S. Evans, Captain. This man cannot presently be identified, but his photograph was printed in an edition of the Llanelly Mercury.

Sidney Picton Evans, Lance Corporal, 488, Royal Engineers. Sidney was born in Llanelli, the son of David and Amelia Evans of Glanmor Road, and enlisted at Neyland into the 1/1st Welsh Field Company, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. He landed in Gallipoli on 2 August 1915 and was sadly killed in action soon after, on 21 August 1915, during the Defence of Helles. Sidney is buried at Green Hill Cemetery, Gallipoli. His brothers George and Harry also served with the Welsh Field Company, but survived the war.


Theophilus James Evans, Private, 31588, South Wales Borderers. Theophilus was the Son of Mr. D. J. and Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Evans, of 7, Sea View Terrace, Bwlch-y-Gwynt, Llanelli. He served with the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 87 Brigade, 29th Division. The Division took part in its first major action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, and fought at the Battles of Albert and Le Transloy, suffering heavy casualties. In the spring of 1917 they fought at the Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive, and then moved further north, taking part in the Third Battle of Ypres, before moving to Cambrai. Here they fought at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917 before moving back to Flanders early in 1918. The German Spring Offensive hit the British on the Somme on 21 March 1918, and hit in Flanders just weeks later. Theophilus was killed during the resulting Battle of Estaires, on 11 April 1918. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.


Thomas Evans, Private, 12866, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was the Son of Daniel and Mary Evans, of 40, Princess Street, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which moved to France in July 1915 as part of 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division fought at the Battle of Loos in September 1915, and moved to the Somme the following year, where it assaulted La Boiselle on 3 July 1916. Thomas was killed that day, aged 27. He has no known rave, and is commemorated on Pier and Face 4A of the Thiepval Memorial, France.


Thomas C. Evans, Sergeant, 538161, Royal Engineers. Thomas was born at Llanelli, and had enlisted there into the Royal Engineers. He survived the war, but died while serving in Ireland on 21 March 1920. Thomas is buried at Grangegorman Military Cemetery, Ireland.


Thomas John Evans, Guardsman, 20481, Grenadier Guards. Thomas was the Son of John and Margaret Ann Evans, of 11, Glanrhyd St., Cwmaman, Aberdare. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, which was attached to the 2nd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. Thomas saw plenty of action during his time at war. He would have fought at the Battle of Loos in September 1915 and on the Somme in 1916. From July 1917 the Guards fought at the Third Battle of Ypres and at Cambrai later that year. The Guards also fought during the German offensive of 21 March 1918 onwards, before taking part in the great offensive from 21 August 1918. Thomas was killed during the Battle of Cambrai, on 9 October 1918. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Masnières British Cemetery, Marcoing, France.


William Evans, Private, 18476, South Wales Borderers. William was born at Llanelli, the Son of Evan Evans. The family later moved to 15, Beach Row, Pontyrhyl, Bridgend, and William enlisted at Tonyrefail into the 8th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion formed at Brecon on 19 September 1914 attached to 67 Brigade, 22nd Division, and sailed from Marseilles on 30 October 1915 for Salonika, where it remained for the duration of the war. William was wounded in Salonika, and died on 25 November 1917, aged 24. He is buried at Sarigol Military Cemetery, Kriston, Greece.


William Evans, Sapper, 156505, Royal Engineers. William was the Son of Thomas Evans, of Myrtle Hill, Pwll, Llanelli. He had served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, before being posted to the 250th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers. The Company was in the Messines ridge sector by October 1915, when they began work on the deep mines at Petit Bois, Peckham and Spanbroekmolen. William was killed during the Battle of Messines, on 24 August 1917. He was 32 years old, and is buried at Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery, Belgium.


William Ivor Evans, Private, 3941, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Maurice and Anne Evans, of 64, High Street, Tumble, and was another local man to serve with the 1/4th Battalion (Carmarthen), Welsh Regiment. William embarked with the battalion as part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and landed on Gallipoli on 8 August 1915, where the Welsh were plunged head first into terrible fighting. William was killed on his second day on Gallipoli, on 10 August 1915, during the Battle of Sari Bair (Attack on Scimitar Hill). He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 140/144 of the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

William James Cadwallader Evans, M.I.D., Sergeant, 448309, Royal Engineers. William was the Son of Thomas and Mary Jane Evans, of 18, Mansel Street, Carmarthen. He served with the 1/1st Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. William saw action with the Division at Gallipoli before it was moved to Egypt. He was Mentioned in Despatches during the war. William died in Egypt on 15 November 1918, aged 31. William is buried at Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. William is also remembered on the Christ Church, Carmarthen Memorial.

William Richard Evans, Private, 235034, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was the Son of William John and Hannah Evans, of 8, Llandafen Row, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli on 6 June 1916 into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and was posted to France with the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which landed at Boulogne on 27 September 1915, becoming attached to 76 Brigade, 3rd Division. In 1916 fought at the Actions of the Bluff, and at the St Eloi Craters. They were then moved south to the Somme, and fought there at the Battle of Albert, and the Battle of Bazentin, where they captured Longueval. They then took part in the Battle of Delville Wood, and the Battle of the Ancre, before settling into another bleak winter in France. In May 1917 the Division was at Arras. William was killed here during the Second Battle of the Scarpe, on 19 April 1917. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.


William Stephen Evans, Able Seaman, R/3420, Royal Naval Reserve. William was born on 16 March 1899, the Son of David Samuel Evans, of Penlan, Tyrfran, Llanelli. He enlisted into the Pembroke Yeomanry, but transferred to the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 July 1917. On 6 August William was drafted to Nelson Battalion, which was attached to 189 Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. He joined up with the battalion in time to take part in the Battle of Cambrai. William was killed in action during the Action of Welsh Ridge, on 31 December 1917. He was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


George Baker Featherstone, Sergeant, P.W.2342, Middlesex Regiment. George was born at Virginia Water, Surrey in 1879. He married Katherine Florence Ross in December 1915, and probably worked at Llanelli prior to the war, as he enlisted there into the army. George was posted to the 19th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which was the Pioneer battalion to the 41st Division. The Division moved to France by 6 May 1916, and began familiarisation with trench warfare in the areas of Ploegsteert and the Douve valley, south of Ypres. They remained here until August 1916, when they moved to the Somme, and took part in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. The Division remained in the line, pushing on to Courcelette over the next few days before coming out for a rest and re-fit. They then fought at the Battle of Le Transloy, before moving to positions south of Ypres in 1917. Here they took part in the Battle of Messines. George was wounded at Messines, and died on 8 June 1917, aged 38. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.


Walter Henry Field, Private, 260442, Gloucestershire Regiment. Walter was the Son of William Field, of High Street, Corsham, Wilts. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and married Gertrude Maud Richards in 1913. The couple lived at 19, Pencoe Terrace, Llanelli. Walter served with the 12th (Bristol) Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, which was attached to 95 Brigade, 5th Division. March 1916 saw the Division moving to positions near Arras. On 1 July 1916 the Battle of the Somme opened, and the Division moved south fighting at High Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy. On 5 October, after suffering heavy casualties, the Division moved to Festubert, where they remained until March 1917. They next saw action at the Battle of Arras, fighting at the Battle of Vimy in April 1917, and the attack on La Coulette. On 3 May they fought in the Third Battle of the Scarpe, and captured Oppy Wood. On 7 September, they were pulled out of the line again, and moved north to join the great offensive in Flanders, known as Third Ypres, or Passchendaele. Walter was killed during the Battle of Broodseinde, on 4 October 1917. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.


William Finn, Private, 4666, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. William was the Son of Matthew and Henrietta Finn, of Fethard, County Wexford. He worked at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. William served with them in Egypt, before becoming ill, and returning to England. He died on 26 February 1916, aged 32, and is buried at Wandsworth (Earlsfield) Cemetery, England.


P. Flanagan, Gunner, Royal Garrison Artillery. This man cannot be positively identified.

James Edward Forster, Private, 10890 (CH), Royal Marine Light Infantry. James was the Husband of Annie Forster (nee Hughes), of 65, Princess Street, Llanelli. He served with the Royal Marine Light Infantry aboard HMS Laurentic. Laurentic was a White Star cruise liner, which had been requisitioned for use as a troop transport ship for the Canadian Forces. James died on 27 June 1916, and was buried at Hong Kong Cemetery. No more is presently known of his death.        

Ethelbert Harold Foster, Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Ethelbert was the Son of Obed and Eliza Jane Foster (nee Williams). He was commissioned into the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, but was attached to the 1/8th Battalion, London Regiment (Post Office Rifles). He was killed in action during an attack on the Hindenburg Line on 8 October 1918, aged 35, and is buried at Bois-Des-Angles British Cemetery, Crevecouer-Sur-L'Escaut, France.


Joseph Samuel Bailey Foster, Gunner, 21581, Royal Field Artillery. Joseph was the Husband of Margaret Foster, of 31, Toppings Row, Boldon Colliery, Co. Durham. He resided at Dynevor Castle Hotel prior to the war, and was an employee of the Llanelli Steel Works. Joseph originally enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery, but was attached to the 8th Divisional Train, Army Service Corps in France. Joseph was wounded during the great offensive of 1918, and died on 29 October 1918, aged 34. He is buried at Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, France.


Cecil Gasgoine Fowler, Private, 80231, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Cecil was the Son of Frederick and Elizabeth Fowler, of 11, Penywarc Road, Llanelli. He was posted to France early in 1918, where he joined the 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. Cecil would have taken part in the Divisions famous crossing of the River Ancre on 21 August 1918. The Division then drove eastward towards the mighty Hindenburg Line over the coming weeks. Cecil was killed during the Battle of Epehy, on 18 September 1918. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France.


Albert Francis, Private, 20211, Welsh Regiment. Albert was the Husband of Sarah Francis, of 99A, Lower Ann Street, Llanelli. He was one of the original men who enlisted into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as the Carmarthen Pals battalion, and trained at Kinmel Park, Rhyl during the months after its creation. Albert took ill at Rhyl, and died in Bangor Hospital on 14 June 1915. He was 42 years old, and was brought home for burial with full military honours at Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.


Albert Francis, Sapper, 67029, Royal Engineers. Albert was born at Fron, Furnace, and was the Husband of May Francis. He served with the 130th Field Company, Royal Engineers, which was attached to the 25th Division. The Division landed in France on 26 September 1915, and were posted to the Vimy area, where they defended Vimy Ridge against a German attack in May 1916. They then moved to the Warloy area and attacked on 3 July near Thiepval. They fought throughout the Battle of the Somme, and then moved to Ploegsteert, where they held the line for the months leading up the Battle of Messines in June 1917. After fighting at Messines, the Division moved north, and fought at Pilckem Ridge. Albert was killed at Ypres on 1 September 1917. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Belgium.


Gwilym Francis, Corporal, 20449, Welsh Regiment. Gwilym was the Son of Daniel Francis, of 73, Llewellyn Street, Llanelli. He was one of the original enlistees into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as the Carmarthen Pals battalion, attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. On 2 December 1915 the battalion moved to France, and the entire Division moved to the Fleurbaix sector, where it was initiated into trench warfare. During June 1916 the Division marched south to the Somme, and on 7 July 1916 attacked Mametz Wood. The initial attack failed, and it was three days later, on 10 July, that a fresh attack was mounted. Gwilym was killed while fighting in the wood on 11 July 1916. He was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


Joseph Francis, Lance Corporal, 15581, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Joseph was the Son of Matthew and Mary Francis, of 5, Llewellyn Street, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France during July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. The following year the Division moved to the Somme, where it took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost. It then fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. In 1917 the Division moved north to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines. Joseph was killed here on 15 June 1917. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Dickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension, Belgium.


Sidney Thomas Edward Gann, Assistant Examination Officer, Mercantile Marine. Sidney was born at Llanelli in March 1874. He was a Merchant Mariner, and during the Great War was an Assistant Examination Officer at Harwich. Sidney died there as a result of an accident on 21 June 1918. He was 44 years old. Nothing more is presently known of Sidney, as he is not commemorated by the CWGC.

Henry Gaunt, Private, CMT/377, Royal Army Service Corps. Henry was born at Llanelli, and enlisted at Felinfach into the Royal Army Service Corps, serving with the Base M.T. Depot, which moved to France at the outbreak of war, attached to the BEF. Henry was killed in action during the Battle of The Aisne, on 24 August 1914, and is remembered on the La Ferte-Sous-Joarre Memorial, France.


Rene Gautier, Private, 10462, Gloucestershire Regiment. Rene was born at Spitalfields, London. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and returned to London to enlist into the 7th (Service) Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, which was attached to 39 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. On 13 June 1915 the Division sailed for Alexandria, then moved to Mudros, preparatory for landing at Cape Helles, Gallipoli from 6 July 1915, relieving the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between 3 and 5 August 1915, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair, Russell's Top, and Hill 60, ANZAC. Rene was killed during the Battle of Sari Bair, on 8 August 1915. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.


Alcwyn Morland Gibson, Second Lieutenant, West Yorkshire Regiment. Alcwyn was the Son of George Gibson, of 58, Alban Road, Llanelli. He served with the Artists Rifles, before being commissioned into the 1/6th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, which was attached to 146 Brigade, 49th (West Riding) Division. The Division moved to France during April 1915 and saw its first major action on the Somme, during the Battle of Albert. They remained on the Somme, taking part in the Battle of Bazentin, the Battle of Pozières, and the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. Alcwyn was killed at Flers on 27 September 1916. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


Denis Joseph Gleeson, Private, 74723, Machine Gun Corps. Dennis was born at Llanelli in December 1885, the Son of Robert and Honorah Gleeson. The family later resided at 8, Albert St., Canton, Cardiff. Denis had originally served with the Glamorgan Yeomanry. During March 1916 they moved to Egypt and formed 4th Dismounted Brigade with the Welsh Border Mounted Brigade. On 2 February 1917 the regiment merged with the Pembroke Yeomanry to form the 24th (Pembroke and Glamorgan Yeomanry) Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division, and took part in the Palestinian campaign before moving to France in May 1918. Denis was then attached to the 74th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 74th (Yeomanry) Division. He was killed during the Battle of Épehy on 23 September 1918. Denis was 32 years old, and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.


Henry Glover, Private, 12906, Welsh Regiment. Henry was the Son of Richard Montague and Martha Glover, of 6, Greenfield Villas, Llanelli. At the outbreak of war he joined the 3rd Welsh, and was posted to France in March 1915, where he joined the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division. Henry was killed a month later, during the Second Battle of Ypres, on 18 April 1915. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium.


William George Gosling, Private, 12603, King's Liverpool Regiment. William was the Son of Sarah Gosling, of Roaden Pit, Stockland, Honiton, Devon. He probably worked at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted there into the army. William was posted to France, where he joined the 4th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, which was attached to 98 Brigade, 33rd Division. The Division moved to France during November 1915, and saw its first major action during the Battles of the Somme, from July 1916 onwards. William was killed on 5 July 1916. He was 34 years old, and is buried at Chocques Military Cemetery, France.


Henry Percy Bright Gough, MC and Bar, Major, Welsh Regiment. Harry was the Son of Frederick George and Sarah Ann Gough, of Llanelli, and the Husband of Martha Reid Gough (nee Fullerton). They had two children, and the family home was at The Firs, Gowerton, Swansea. Henry was educated at Llandovery College, played rugby at half-back both for Llanelli and Vale of Lune, Lancaster. At the outbreak of war, Henry was Science Master at Oakham Grammar School, but left to enlist in the 14th (Swansea) Battalion, Welsh Regiment. In 1915 Henry was commissioned and posted to the 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment and in 1916 he was promoted to Captain, at the time of the Battalion's departure for France. The Battalion joined 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division, and moved to the front near Loos. Late in 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained in the area over the winter. In March 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40th Division was one of the Divisions that followed the withdrawal. Henry distinguished himself in a successful action, south of La Vacquerie on 18 May, when a trench raid resulted in the capture of an enemy machine-gun and two unwounded prisoners, at no loss of life to his own men. For his part in the operation, Henry was awarded the Military Cross. During the autumn of 1917, his Battalion was in support of 12th SWB and 19th RWF in the attempt to capture the stronghold of Bourlon Wood, during the Battle of Cambrai. They suffered Heavy casualties, losing 17 officers and 301 other ranks. Henry found himself in command of the Battalion. He was awarded a Bar to his MC for his actions here, however, by this time the 17th Battalion had virtually ceased to exist. The Division was caught up in heavy fighting during the spring of 1918, during the German Offensive on the Lys. Henry was sent to command a section of the East Surrey Regiment, which was defending a support trench system running north to south through Strazeele, but on 22 April 1918 was severely wounded, and died at the 62nd London Casualty Clearing Station that day. He was 38 years old, and is buried at Arneke British Cemetery, France.


Alfred Goulder, Lance Corporal, 13478, Northumberland Fusiliers. Alfred was the Son of Edwin and Elizabeth Goulder, of 6, Graham Street, Radford, Nottingham. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted back at Nottingham into the 12th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, which was attached to 62 Brigade, 21st Division. The Division crossed to France during September 1915, and was thrown into action at Loos within weeks. Alfred was killed at the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.


Albert Graham, Lance Corporal, 12695, Welsh Regiment. Albert was a Boer War veteran from York, who had moved to Llanelli prior to the war, and lived there with his wife (possibly Mary Catherine Evans) and three children, at 33, Copperworks Road, Llanelli. Albert was recalled at the outbreak of war, and joined the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which moved to France attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division took part in the Battle of Mons, and the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos. Albert was killed at Loos on 25 September 1915. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.


Isaac Grant, Stoker, 6542S, Royal Navy. Isaac was the Son of John and Hannah Grant, of Llanelli, and the Husband of Blodwen Grant, of 3, Robinson Street, Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard HMS Indefatigable, which was attached to the Battlecruiser Squadron of the Grand Fleet. Isaac was killed when Indefatigable was blown up at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916, with the loss of all but two of her crew. He was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.


Zedekiah Green, Driver, 98325, Royal Field Artillery. Zedekiah was born at Silkstone, Yorkshire, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Artillery. He was posted to the 83rd Small Arms Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery, which was attached to the 28th Division. During October 1915, the Division embarked at Marseilles, and proceeded to Egypt, and in November moved on to Salonika where the Division then remained. Zedekiah was taken ill in Salonika, and died on 13 September 1917. He is buried at Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria, Greece.


Thomas Walter Greenwood, Private, 288065, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Emily Greenwood, of Leicester. He resided at Llanelli prior to the war, and enlisted at Swansea into the 1/6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion landed in France on 29 October 1914, and moved to work on Lines of Communication. On 5 July 1915 it was attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division, before transferring to the 1st Division, where it became the Pioneer battalion. They fought during the Somme Offensive in 1916. The Division followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were then briefed for an operation on the Flanders Coast, and moved there during the summer of 1917. Thomas was killed here on 2 July 1917. He was 42 years old, and is buried at Ramscappelle Road Military Cemetery, Belgium.


David A. Griffiths, Ordinary Seaman, Z/5091, Royal Navy. David was the Son of David and Ellen Griffiths, of 2, Annesley Street, Llanelly. He was a Boy Writer at Pembroke Dockyard, prior to serving as Ordinary Seaman in the Royal Navy, at HMS Victory VI. The base was a training base for recruits, based at Crystal Palace. David took ill while training here, and died of pneumonia on 14 October 1918. He was only 18 years old. His remains were brought home for burial at Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

D. J. Griffiths, Private. This man cannot presently be identified.

David Griffiths, Private, 20584, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of William and Harriet Griffiths of Llanelli. He enlisted during a recruitment drive at Llanelli in February 1915 into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as the Carmarthen Pals battalion. The battalion initially trained at Rhyl, suffering from severe shortages of equipment. David took ill at Rhyl, and died in hospital at Bangor on 22 June 1915. He was 35 years old, and is buried at Bangor (Glanadda) Cemetery.

David John Griffiths, Private, 13134, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of William Griffiths, of Cornish Place, New Dock. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. David landed in France with the battalion on 1 June 1915. He fought at the Battle of Loos in September that year, and over the winter took ill, and returned home. David died on 7 May 1916, aged 31. He is buried at Llanelli (Old Road) Church Cemetery.

Frank Griffiths, Sapper, 204515, Royal Engineers. Frank was born in Burry Port, the Son of David J. G. and Caroline Griffiths, later of 32, Hedley Terrace, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 134th Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers. The Army Troops Companies were established similar to Field Companies, but for behind-the-lines bridging and water work. Frank was at Ypres during the Battle of Passchendaele, when he was killed in action on 4 October 1917. He was just 20 years old, and is buried at Canada Farm Cemetery, Belgium.


H. L. Griffiths, Lieutenant, Royal Air Force. This man cannot presently be identified.

J. Griffiths, Private, Monmouthshire Regiment. This man cannot presently be identified.

James Griffiths, Private, 39580, South Wales Borderers. James was the Son of David and Dinah Griffiths, of 15, Clifton Terrace, Llanelli. He worked at the Emporium, Llanelli, and The Hayes, Cardiff prior to the war. James enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry in 1916, and was posted to France, where he joined the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 87 Brigade, 29th Division. James probably fought at Third Ypres with the battalion, during the late summer of 1917. The 2nd SWB remained at Ypres over the winter, and it was here, during a routine spell in the trenches, that James was killed by a German shell on 22 March 1918. He was 24 years old, and was buried at Oxford Road Cemetery, Belgium.


John Henry Griffiths, Private, 4035, London Regiment. John was the Son of John and Mary Esther Griffiths, of Trevethin-y-Graig, Pwll, Llanelli. He worked at London prior to the war, and enlisted into the 15th Battalion, London Regiment, which was known as the Civil Service Rifles, attached to 140 Brigade, 47th (2nd London) Division. The battalion landed in France on 18 March 1915, and fought at the Battle of Aubers, and the Battle of Festubert during May 1915 and in September fought at the Battle of Loos, and subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. They were north of Arras when the Germans attacked Vimy Ridge, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. John was killed here on 15 September 1916. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Cerisy-Gailly French National Cemetery, France.


Martin Griffiths, Private, 13331, South Wales Borderers. Martin was the Son of Anthony and Rebecca Griffiths, of 2, Bethania Terrace, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. The Division fought at Gallipoli from July 1915 onwards, suffering heavy casualties over the coming months. Martin took ill, and was invalided home, where he died on 14 December 1915. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Loughor (St. Michael) Churchyard.

Rhys Emlyn Griffiths, Private, 428, Australian Imperial Force. Rhys was born at Llanelli in June 1892, the Son of Maggie Griffiths. Maggie later lived at 4, Vlei Street, Krugersdorp, Transvaal, South Africa, while Rhys moved to 67, Union Road, Ascot Vale, NSW, Australia. Rhys enlisted at Melbourne on 19 August 1914 into the 7th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. The battalion was raised by Lieutenant Colonel H. E. Pompey Elliott within a fortnight of the declaration of war in August 1914 and embarked just two months later. After a brief stop in Albany, Western Australia, the battalion proceeded to Egypt, arriving on 2 December. It later took part in the ANZAC landing on 25 April 1915, as part of the second wave. Rhys was killed in action during the desperate attempt to get off the beaches that day. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli.


Royston Swire Griffiths, Major, Royal Garrison Artillery. Royston was born at Pembrey on 8 November 1885, the Son of William and Edith Griffiths. He married Gladys Edwards in March 1912, and the couple lived at 27, Barnfield Road, Exeter. Royston enlisted into the Royal Marines on 24 September 1914, and joined the Royal Marine Engineers. He was discharged to a commission in the Royal Artillery on 12 January 1915, and was posted to 123rd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, moving to France on 21 July 1916. Royston must have been a capable officer, as he was promoted to Acting Major by 1917. He became ill in France, suffering an embolism, which killed him on 17 March 1917. Royston was 31 years old, and is buried at Faubourg D'Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France.


W. Griffiths, Seaman, Royal Navy. This man cannot presently be identified.

William James Griffiths, Gunner, 5476, Royal Field Artillery. William was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the Royal Artillery. He was posted to France with B Battery, 107th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which was attached to the 24th Division. William was killed during the Battle of Messines on 14 June 1917. He is buried at Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, Belgium.


Robert John Guy, Private, 4538, Monmouthshire Regiment. Robert was born at Llanelli in 1898. He enlisted on 1 May 1916 into the 1st Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment, which was a Territorial unit, which became one of the first TA battalions to move to France on 13 February 1915. It is not known if Robert served in France, but he was discharged on 15 September 1916 due to sickness. He survived the war, but died early in 1921. No more is currently known of him, as he is not commemorated by the CWGC.

David Gwilym, Private, 52896, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Llanelli. He enlisted at Cardiff into the Welsh Regiment, and was posted to Egypt in 1917, where he joined the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion had been formed by the merger of the Pembroke and Glamorgan Yeomanry battalions in March 1917, becoming attached to 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. In April 1917 the Division moved into Palestine, where it fought at the Second and Third Battles of Gaza, and the capture of Jerusalem. During the following year it took part in several smaller operations in the Jordan Valley, and it was there that David was killed on 10 March 1918. He is buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery, Israel.